The already tense relationship between Russia and the West has entered a new phase in recent days. The escalation of rhetoric by U.S. President Donald Trump against Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is seen as a signal of significant shifts in Washington’s stance on Moscow. Trump’s decision to reduce the 50-day ultimatum initially given to Russia and deliver sharper messages marks a departure from his earlier softer approach.
At the same time, the European Union’s (EU) approval of its 18th sanction package against Russia and the conclusion of a new tariff agreement between the U.S. and the EU indicate the West’s intention to further intensify political and economic pressures on Moscow. These developments raise the possibility of a new wave of Cold War-like tensions in the international relations system.
The risks of open confrontation with the West, ranging from Russia’s domestic politics to the Ukraine war, pose serious challenges to global stability. This could also lead to the development of a new wave of tensions between NATO and Russia.
Political commentator and Doctor of Historical Sciences Telman Nüsretoğlu, in an interview with Oxu.Az, stated that Trump’s current statements and the state of U.S.-Russia relations should be viewed in the context of the relations between the U.S. and the UK, the U.S. and the EU, and the West’s perspective on Russia, especially regarding the UK’s stance on the Ukraine war.
“Another factor is the Epstein case, which has started to exert political pressure on Trump both personally and on his administration. In this context, the battle with Russia becomes a more important factor. Trump has to navigate a political landscape that includes both the legal pressure from the ongoing court case and the growing pressure related to Russia. The recent sequence of events, including Trump’s visit to Scotland, agreements with the UK and the EU, and the prominence of sanctions, supports this view.”
“In the agreement between the U.S. and the EU, it is specified that Europe will buy gas and oil from the U.S. and will not purchase any oil or gas from Russia. Given that countries like India and China are also buyers of Russian energy, applying sanctions to countries trading with Russia could present problems. Whether this trade war will evolve into a consensus after Trump’s anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping remains a significant question. Therefore, it’s a multifaceted process,” the expert emphasized.
The commentator believes that pressure on Russia will increase:
“Because, in the context of sanctions against Russia, new weapons will be supplied to Ukraine. Preparations for this are already underway. This will further escalate the situation around Moscow. It is likely that this will also increase internal dissatisfaction in Russia and ultimately lead to a rise in geopolitical pressure.”
