Following a round of trilateral talks involving Russian, Ukrainian, and US representatives in Abu Dhabi, high-ranking Kremlin figures publicly lauded former President Donald Trump’s approach to international conflict. Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council, characterized Trump as an effective leader actively seeking to conclude the ongoing war. Medvedev stated that contacts with American counterparts have become significantly more productive due to Trump's stated desire to be remembered as a peacemaker, according to reports from ua.news.
Medvedev also addressed recent reports concerning US naval movements, reportedly dismissing threats from Trump regarding the deployment of American nuclear submarines near Russian waters, noting that such vessels had not been detected. Concurrently, Medvedev expressed expectations for a swift Russian military culmination in Ukraine, referencing literary threats directed toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Separately, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov provided a positive assessment of relations under the Trump administration framework. Lavrov claimed that US Secretary of State Mark Rubio allegedly acknowledged the importance of mutually beneficial economic projects with Russia as recently as February 2025. This recollection serves to draw a contrast with the current geopolitical climate.
Lavrov directed criticism toward European capitals, accusing them of actively working to undermine US-Russia bilateral relations. He alleged that European elites are overly aligned with Kyiv's objectives and are prepared to engage directly in the conflict against the Russian Federation.
These statements occurred as negotiations in Abu Dhabi concluded, following initial reports that the earlier bilateral meetings between Russian and Ukrainian delegations had reached an impasse. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had previously indicated that the UAE talks might span two days, emphasizing the complexity of the ongoing discussions.
The timing of these endorsements suggests Moscow is calculating potential future US foreign policy shifts, regardless of the outcome of current diplomatic engagements. The focus on a potential Trump return underscores a strategic effort to keep channels open with a faction of the American political establishment.
