In a notable diplomatic development, the Kremlin has publicly welcomed the new national security strategy unveiled by former U.S. President Donald Trump, marking a rare instance of fulsome praise from Moscow towards a policy document from its historic rival.
A Rare Convergence of Strategic Visions
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in comments to state television on Sunday, December 7, stated that the adjustments outlined in the U.S. strategy largely correspond to Russia's own perceptions of global affairs. This public agreement on the tectonic plates of world politics is uncommon, though not without precedent. The two nations cooperated closely after the 1991 Soviet collapse on nuclear repatriation and following the September 11, 2001, attacks.
The U.S. strategy, signed by Trump, articulates a vision of "flexible realism" and advocates for a revival of the 19th century Monroe Doctrine, which asserted U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere. It also warns of "civilizational erasure" facing Europe, identifies negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine as a core U.S. interest, and expresses a desire to reestablish strategic stability with Russia.
NATO and the "Deep State" Caution
Peskov specifically highlighted the document's pledge to end "the perception, and preventing the reality, of the NATO military alliance as a perpetually expanding alliance" as an encouraging signal. This addresses a long-standing Russian grievance that has fueled tensions since the alliance's enlargement was outlined under President Bill Clinton in 1994.
However, the Kremlin spokesman injected a note of caution. He suggested that what he termed the U.S. "deep state"—a network Trump alleges works against him—holds a worldview divergent from the president's. Critics dismiss the "deep state" as a conspiracy theory used to justify consolidating executive power.
Shifting Alliances and Strategic Battlegrounds
The new U.S. strategy represents a significant shift in tone from recent documents. Since Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, U.S. strategies have consistently labeled Moscow an aggressor and a threat to the post-Cold War order. Peskov told TASS that calling for cooperation on strategic stability, rather than branding Russia a direct threat, was a positive step.
The document also identifies the Indo-Pacific as a key economic and geopolitical battleground, emphasizing a military build-up to prevent conflict with China over Taiwan. This focus comes as Russia has pivoted to Asia, especially China, following Western sanctions over Ukraine and Europe's move away from Russian energy. Trump himself has previously expressed concern about a Russia-China alliance, telling Fox News in March that "you don't want Russia and China to get together."
This moment of rhetorical alignment, occurring under the shadow of the Ukraine war and amid global realignments, underscores the complex and evolving nature of great power relations in the 21st century.
