Expressions of restraint in Moscow are giving way to enthusiasm, particularly as Donald Trump criticizes Volodymyr Zelensky, aligning with Kremlin narratives about the Ukraine conflict. Kremlin officials like Dmitry Peskov and Margarita Simonian praise Trump, viewing him as a ‘normal’ leader. This marks a shift from previously labeling him a ‘useful idiot.’ Russian media now amplifies support for Trump, suggesting he could reshape relations with the EU and NATO, while some media figures court him for policy changes.
Shifting Sentiments on the Moscow Plateaus
On the elevated terrains of Moscow, expressions that typically convey restraint are struggling to mask a wave of enthusiasm. This shift is largely fueled by events transpiring across the Pacific, where Donald Trump is openly criticizing Volodymyr Zelensky in front of a global audience. Not only is the former President of the United States echoing Kremlin arguments regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, but he has also labeled his Ukrainian counterpart a ‘dictator without elections’ and accused him of being the catalyst for the crisis that emerged following the Russian invasion. This narrative aligns seamlessly with that of Moscow, much to the delight of its propagandists.
From Useful Idiot to a ‘Normal’ Leader
The Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, shared his thoughts during a recent state television interview, stating that American foreign policy now ‘largely coincides’ with Russia’s perspective. However, he tempered his optimism by noting the significant damage done to bilateral relations. This sentiment mirrors that of Margarita Simonian, a prominent figure in the regime’s propaganda and former editor-in-chief of RT. She lauded Trump as a leader of ‘impeccable politeness,’ asserting that he has proven himself to be a ‘normal person,’ in stark contrast to previous leadership.
Despite the Kremlin’s jubilation, there’s a cautious approach to avoid disrupting the long-maintained narrative. Just weeks prior, Trump was characterized as a ‘useful idiot.’ Notably, expert Andrey Sidorov expressed his support for Trump, calling him a ‘destroyer.’ Propagandist Vladimir Soloviev even went so far as to claim that Trump does everything to undermine America. Fast forward to March 4, and Soloviev has completely flipped his stance, asserting that Moscow has never had issues with Washington, which Julias Devis, creator of the ‘Russian media monitor,’ describes as an ‘Orwellian reversal.’ Now, Soloviev has redirected his criticisms toward the European Union, labeling it as the primary instigator behind the war.
With the apparent ‘alignment’ between Trump and Kremlin perspectives, celebrated by ultranationalist blogger Kirill Fedorov, Russian media figures have amplified their assertions. Soloviev has gone as far as calling for Zelensky to be tried for crimes against Russia and has expressed aspirations for Trump to address the future of the European Union. He predicts a potential ‘disintegration of NATO’ and ‘destruction of the European Union,’ emphasizing that Trump will not recognize the EU and foreseeing an economic conflict between America and Europe.
In a striking shift from animosity to overt admiration, other media personalities are also courting Trump. Ben Swann, a former head of RT in the U.S., has penned an open letter to the U.S. President, urging him to lift sanctions against RT, Sputnik, and ANO TV-Novosti, thereby ensuring that all voices and viewpoints—including those aligned with Vladimir Putin—continue to be heard.