The recent controversy involving US President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Venson, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office has been met with notable enthusiasm in Moscow.
Although Russian President Vladimir Putin has refrained from public comment, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has acknowledged that Putin is well-informed about the situation. According to Peskov, the episode has highlighted what he describes as Zelensky’s lack of diplomatic skills.
Observers in Moscow perceive this incident as a potential turning point in global geopolitics, with some suggesting it could facilitate closer ties between the United States and Russia.
This perspective persists despite the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. There is speculation that Washington may overlook Russia’s aggressive policies in favour of new international alignments, which could marginalise not only Ukraine but also Europe from US strategic interests.
Kremlin insiders reportedly view the dispute between Trump and Zelensky as an opportunity to bring about a direct meeting between Trump and Putin. Such an encounter would bolster Putin’s image, allowing him to demonstrate Russia’s ability to break out of the diplomatic isolation imposed under Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden.
Moreover, it is suggested that the meeting could push Trump closer to Russia’s stance, potentially leading to a shift in how the US characterises Russia’s role in Ukraine and the broader European security landscape.
Previously, Russian officials had been uncertain about the feasibility of a Trump-Putin summit, particularly due to the reservations of Trump’s advisers. They had reportedly insisted that any engagement with Moscow should be conditioned on minor concessions from the Kremlin, such as a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine—something Trump has unsuccessfully sought since assuming office.
Putin, however, has consistently dismissed such proposals, maintaining that Moscow is only interested in a settlement that formalises the West’s acquiescence to Russian demands.
The Kremlin now believes that the Western alliance is fragmenting, with growing discord between the US and its European allies. Russian officials have expressed open disdain for European governments, while figures such as Russian Direct Investment Fund head Kirill Dmitriev and US-based operative Steve Witkoff are reportedly working behind the scenes to secure a favourable geopolitical arrangement for Moscow.
Given this perspective, Moscow appears confident that Putin no longer needs to fear US demands for concessions in Ukraine.
Trump’s shifting narrative has further strengthened Russia’s position. Following his meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump stated—without citing evidence—that Putin seeks peace while Zelensky does not.
This assertion has facilitated the prospect of a meeting between the US and Russian leaders while also providing Moscow with additional leverage in its confrontation with the West.
Such rhetoric has raised concerns that Trump’s stance may undermine broader democratic alliances and post-World War II international norms.
Despite the apparent convergence of interests between Trump and Putin, one complicating factor remains: Trump’s desire to drive a wedge between Russia and China. The president president and his advisers appear to believe that through negotiations with Moscow, Washington could weaken Russia’s ties with Beijing. However, this assumption has been met with scepticism, given the deepening strategic partnership between Russia and China.
The belief that Moscow might distance itself from Beijing in exchange for US concessions has been echoed by senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
However, the underlying reality is that the Russia-China alliance is rooted not just in ideological or economic ties but in a shared goal of reducing US influence in both Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
Moscow and Beijing view Washington’s post-war dominance as excessive and seek to challenge it through both military strength and diplomatic manoeuvring.
As a result, Trump’s efforts to reshape US-Russia relations could inadvertently strengthen the influence of both Russia and China.
Critics argue that the current US administration’s policies risk accelerating a geopolitical realignment that benefits Moscow and Beijing at Washington’s expense.
The extent to which Trump’s approach will succeed remains uncertain, but in Moscow, there is growing confidence that the US president’s actions are playing into the Kremlin’s strategic objectives.
For now, Putin appears to be the primary beneficiary of the unfolding developments. With West’s internal divisions on full display, the Kremlin views the current situation as a unique opportunity to expand its influence and challenge the existing global order.
