The Kremlin expressed approval of the new U.S. national security strategy announced by President Donald Trump, stating that it aligns closely with Russia’s own viewpoints. This marks a significant moment as Moscow seldom praises documents from its former Cold War adversary. The U.S. strategy, endorsed by Trump, advocates for a strategy of “flexible realism” and proposes a revival of the Monroe Doctrine from the 19th century, designating the Western Hemisphere as the sphere of influence for the U.S.
According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, the adjustments outlined in the U.S. strategy resonate with Russia’s perspective. This public alignment between Moscow and Washington in global affairs is unusual, as historical tensions have often defined their relationship. Despite past differences, the two countries collaborated on nuclear disarmament post the Soviet Union’s dissolution in 1991 and in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
During the Cold War era, the U.S. and Russia portrayed each other in starkly contrasting terms. However, following the Soviet collapse, Moscow aimed at fostering Western partnerships, but tensions escalated as the U.S. supported NATO expansion, leading to strained relations. Peskov welcomed the U.S. document’s commitment to addressing NATO’s expansion concerns, although he cautioned that there were differing worldviews within the U.S. administration, mentioning the concept of a “deep state.”
Since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, U.S. strategies have identified Russia as an aggressor threatening the post-Cold War order. Peskov hailed the shift towards cooperation on strategic stability issues rather than portraying Russia as a direct threat. The U.S. strategy also emphasizes the importance of the Indo-Pacific region as a vital economic and geopolitical battleground and highlights the need to bolster military capabilities to prevent conflicts with China over Taiwan.
Amid strained ties with the West, Russia has turned its focus towards Asia, particularly China, following sanctions and energy diversification efforts by European countries. Trump has emphasized the significance of preventing a Russia-China alliance, citing historical lessons.
