Moscow vows to defend national interests as new US administration takes office

The Russian Foreign Ministry has asserted that Moscow will adopt a firm stance in protecting its national interests as it navigates relations with the new American administration, while continuing to pursue the objectives of its "special military operation". 

Ministry noted that, "conditions remain unchanged and are well known in Washington," Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

"Russia will engage with the new administration once it 'settles' in the White House, resolutely defending Russian national interests and focusing on achieving all the objectives of the special military operation," the ministry emphasised.

At the same time, the Ministry noted it holds "no illusions regarding the newly elected American president, Donald Trump, who is well-known in Russia, and the new Congress, where Republicans, according to preliminary data, are set to gain the upper hand."

The statement went on to assert that the ruling political elite in the United States, regardless of party affiliation, adheres to anti-Russian policies and a strategy of "containing Moscow."

This policy, according to the Foreign Ministry, is unaffected by the internal political dynamics in the United States, whether under Trump's "America First" approach or the "rules-based order" which Democrats are said to be "fixated on."

Meanwhile, Trump’s anticipated return to the White House signals a potential shake-up in US foreign policy, as his "America First" agenda promises a shift amid growing global tensions and conflicts.

Throughout his campaign, Trump has leaned into broad, though often vague, pledges shaped by non-interventionist and protectionist principles. His rhetoric, coupled with his prior presidential record, hints at a distinct direction for America’s role on the world stage, with Washington set for one of its most dramatic policy recalibrations in recent years.

Key among his stated priorities is a swift resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war, which Trump claims he could end “in a day” by brokering a peace deal, although he has withheld details on how he would achieve this. A report by two of his former national security advisers suggested a continued but conditional support for Ukraine, requiring Kyiv to negotiate peace with Moscow, potentially deferring Ukraine’s desired NATO membership to appeal to Russia.

Trump’s Democratic critics argue that this approach risks undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty and poses a threat to European stability, accusing him of pandering to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Nonetheless, Trump remains resolute that his focus is to halt the conflict and reduce the strain on American resources.

By Aghakazim Guliyev