‘Sharply Negative’: Kremlin Concerned Democratic Sweep Will Imperil US-Russia Peace Efforts

While the Iranians are celebrating with smug satisfaction the Democrats’ historic midterm blue tsunami in the US midterm elections, Russia’s leadership is reacting very differently.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov on Wednesday bluntly stated that that leaders in the US Democratic Party have a “sharply negative” approach to relations with Moscow.

“We will continue our work in accordance with the directives of the President of the Russian Federation,” he added, coming at a sensitive moment where the Kremlin has been welcoming President Trump’s latest decisions on Ukraine, which have piled the pressure on Zelensky to make compromise.

Not only has Trump of late repeatedly suggested that Zelensky must go, calling for elections in Ukraine, but he has refused to sign into effect the “Lindsey O. Graham” sanctions, while lifting the sanctions on Russian diesel. These decisions have by and large outraged Democrats.

Ryabkov stated further that Russia’s position on Ukraine and broader foreign policy “is not based on short-term considerations and, naturally, does not depend on the fluctuations of the political barometer in other countries.”

“The Democratic Party leadership’s approach to relations with Russia is sharply negative. There is nothing new about that.” –Sergey Ryabkov

President Putin himself has repeatedly emphasized that Moscow will see its ‘special military operation’ through to the end, with or without a peace settlement.

Still, the Kremlin is fully aware that the Democrats taking back the Senate and gaining a firm majority in the House could make Trump’s more positive and open approach to Russian relations all the more difficult.

Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has expressed hope that Trump will continue his “peacemaking efforts” after the midterm elections.

“President Trump continues to exercise his powers. We sincerely hope that he will also continue his peacemaking efforts,” he said in the Wednesday remarks.

While “panic” is much too strong a word, it’s clear that Kremlin officials are concerned about what the future of relations with Washington will hold…

China, however, has reacted with a more muted statement and with some cautious optimism. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing plans to continue “constructive strategic relationship” with Washington, describing China’s view that US elections are a “domestic affair”.

“China is willing to work with the US to safeguard and implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen communication, properly manage differences and expand cooperation, build a constructive strategic relationship based on respect and equality,” Mao told a press briefing in Beijing.