The Kremlin Will Use Any Outcome of the US Elections

The Kremlin has carefully avoided revealing their preference regarding the election in the U.S. However, according to Russian experts cited by Agence France Presse, the Russian government will be able to take advantage of a win by either Obama or Romney.

Since his presidential address in 2008, Barack Obama has significantly contributed to resetting relations with Russia, which had shown remnants of the Cold War, believes analyst Fyodor Lukyanov. The reelection of Obama would favor subsequent diplomatic, economic and military cooperation. Lukyanov highlights that Obama is more promising, as it is possible to talk with him.

Alexander Konovalov, Chairman of the Russian Institute of Strategic Studies, thinks the Democratic Party is more peaceful. Therefore, the Russian government expects fewer obstacles and less criticism of what they plan to do and what they actually do.

Nonetheless, these commentators are sure that the possible election of Mitt Romney, who is known for his anti-Russian opinions according to the Agence France Presse, could also fit with the political line of Moscow. It could even give the Russian government more advantages.

It is beneficial for Russian policy to have someone who publicly claims Russia is the number one enemy because it validates the Kremlin’s anti-American propaganda, says Lukyanov.

Konovalov also points out that it is customary for Vladimir Putin to direct his critical remarks to the West. He also goes on to say that it is clearly the will of the Kremlin to “tighten the screws” on internal affairs in Russia by using alleged threats from the West.

Romney’s election would also offer one more indisputable opportunity, says Lukyanov. If Romney is president, Russia would not have problems maintaining mutual relations, since they would simply be frozen.

Another analyst, Alexei Makarkin, thinks that a Mitt Romney victory could arouse anti-American sentiments in Russia. He agrees with Konovalov that it would be a chance for the Kremlin to “tighten the screws” and get rid of international non-governmental organizations.

Putin is careful not to publicly show his preference for either candidate, since it is not a priority for him – says Makarkin, who added that internal affairs are the biggest priority for the Russian president.