Russia celebrates perceived victory amid Trump's support

Many pieces of information provided by Russian media or government officials are elements of propaganda. Such reports are part of the information warfare conducted by the Russian Federation.

From St. Petersburg to Vladivostok, the sound of glasses clinking is in the air. Russians are celebrating their perceived victory in the conflict with Ukraine and the European Union's perceived humiliation in the economic crisis. They hope that sanctions will soon be lifted and they can return to "regular shopping." These opinions are widespread on the Russian internet following visits from representatives of the Trump administration to Europe.

For Russians, Trump's direct call to Putin, bypassing European politicians, is seen as proof that Russia is being treated with the esteem and reverence it deserves, as one of the world's two greatest powers. "Why waste time on the weak when you can talk to the strong," read some Russian comments.

Russians believe the European Union is weak and spoilt, and that without Russian gas and American money, it will eventually collapse. Therefore, Washington speaking directly with Moscow, apparently disregarding allies' opinions, symbolizes for Russians that their country has returned to its rightful place, and no one will seek the opinions of smaller nations. Just as in Yalta and Potsdam, where Churchill was presented with a fait accompli and the major powers divided the world among themselves. This is how it should be now, they argue.

In the Russian infosphere, there is a common belief that Trump will reduce American military aid to Ukraine, and Ukraine will lose its capacity to conduct military operations, as European countries, without American support, will not have sufficient resources. This, in turn, will prevent Ukraine from being a full participant in the negotiation process between Russia and the United States.

For centuries, Russians have only respected those who possess power and military strength. If someone demands something from a Russian with assertive confidence, the Russian often yields, believing they are dealing with someone influential, with power or connections. They only respect strength, which is evident in comments from both ordinary Russians and Kremlin experts.

Political scientist Ilia Uhov writes for the Kremlin-run Ukraine.ru service that Putin's talks with Trump are confirmation of a thesis quite obvious to us, but hardly acceptable to the West, that Ukraine is not a subject but merely a shadow, a projection of globalist plans to contain Russia.

Alexander Dugin, a Kremlin pan-Slavist, stated that globalism has fallen, and the world of the "Great Powers Order" has returned. "Europe simply got left behind and found itself on the margins. Europe became Ukraine, not Ukraine Europe. This is a total failure," he emphasized.

Russians truly believe that Western Europe is weak. The rhetoric of freezing cities and collapsing industries is being repeated. Trump has now given them confidence that there is an open road to the West before them.

Rostislav Ishchenko, a correspondent for Russia Today, wrote that a ceasefire would allow larger forces to be mobilized, and Europe would not be able to provide the same supplies of equipment, ammunition, and humanitarian aid if America abandons Ukraine. This is supposed to allow Russia to "eliminate Ukraine and reach its western border without considering any peace agreements. It is generally unclear what is better for us: to take all of Ukraine or leave half."

Russians are willing to hand this half over to the United States so they can recover the money "wasted on supporting the Kyiv regime." Ret. Lt. Col. Gennady Podlesny, a Kremlin military expert and director of the Centre for Applied Political Studies in Krasnodar, stated that "to win the 'special military operation,' the elimination of Ukraine as a state is necessary. However, since it is one of the largest countries in Europe territorially, Russia cannot do without situational allies."

He discusses the necessity of negotiations on Ukraine's control between Poland, which could reclaim its territories lost during World War II, and the United States, which could take control of "resources they need."

The Russians are pleased with the weakening of NATO's allied relations. The media emphasize that the recently concluded International Security Conference in Munich "took place in a completely different atmosphere from what its regular participants and observers were accustomed to; from a showcase of Euro-Atlantic solidarity, the forum transformed into a symbol of the lack of unity between the new American administration and old Europe."

Commentators stress that Europe "was not ready to accept the truth about itself," which U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Trump's special envoy for ending the Ukrainian-Russian war, Keith Kellogg, were supposed to present. The latter stated that the USA does not see a place for Europe at the negotiating table regarding Ukraine. According to him, Russia and Ukraine should participate in resolving the conflict, and the United States is ready to mediate.

Their words caused ecstatic comments from Russian politicians. Dmitry Medvedev stated that "the Anti-Russian Sabbath in Munich was seriously concerned this time" with Washington’s position. Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachov noted on the Telegram channel that "the collective West no longer exists." According to him, after the end of the Cold War, the collective West transformed into a "monster" and began posing a "threat to peace," "actually generating more and more new problems for humanity."

According to Russian propaganda, it was the European Union and NATO that caused the ongoing war.

Kremlin media emphasize that Trump sees the same cause for the outbreak of the war with Ukraine as Putin. Trump stated on the podcast "All In" hosted by financier and Elon Musk’s collaborator, David Sachs, that Joe Biden, who opened the door to NATO for Ukraine, is responsible for Russia's attack on Ukraine.

He added that in Russia's place, anyone would decide to attack to take care of their interests. Thus, whether consciously or not, Trump exactly echoed the Kremlin's narrative, which described the attack on Ukraine as "pre-emptive."

On the website of the Russian Federation's embassy in Poland, it can be read that "under the supervision and with the direct participation of NATO advisors, Ukraine has been quickly transforming into an 'anti-Russian' power since 2014 (...) Russia did not 'attack' Ukraine, as Western propaganda actively spreads, but began a special military operation."

It adds that "in reality, we are not dealing with Kyiv, but with a NATO-Ukrainian military-industrial conglomerate. Ukraine is just a tool in the hands of the United States and its NATO allies, whose long-term goal is to 'defeat Russia on the battlefield.'"

Trump's words confirming the Kremlin’s narrative greatly pleased the Russians and reinforced their belief that they are waging a just war. Moreover, they gained hope that they will achieve the goals of the "special military operation" by May 9, or at least by the end of the year.

However, they approach this cautiously because "sabotage in the USA is possible: in the military, intelligence, State Department. Their core still does not submit to Trump." Furthermore, Washington "will play its own games and it cannot be said that negotiations with the United States will end successfully," as Ishchenko stated.

For now, reading the Russian media, one can conclude that champagne corks are popping in the Kremlin, and more vodka bottles are being opened in the countryside. Trump's team has given the Russians many reasons to celebrate.