The Kremlin responded to Donald Trump’s election win with a tempered statement, signalling that Moscow’s approach to Ukraine will remain resolute despite the Republican leader’s return to the White House.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry expressed little hope for a fundamental shift in US policy, viewing American politics as steadfastly committed to “containing Moscow,” regardless of whether a Republican or Democrat holds office.

The Russian ministry remarked, “The US ruling political elite adheres to anti-Russia principles… designed to try to contain Russia,” adding that Trump’s ‘America First’ approach is seen as equally adversarial to Russian interests.

This declaration comes as Trump, known for his scepticism of America’s expansive foreign commitments, promises to end the Ukraine conflict swiftly. However, the Kremlin seems to have reservations about these assertions, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggesting that time alone will reveal whether Trump’s remarks translate into meaningful action.

“Let us not forget that we are talking about an unfriendly country… directly and indirectly involved in a war against our state in Ukraine,” Peskov told reporters, underlining Moscow’s distrust.

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Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev struck a more specific note, suggesting Trump’s pragmatism may result in less financial backing for Ukraine, which he termed as beneficial for Moscow.

“Trump has one useful quality for us… as a businessman to the core, he mortally dislikes spending money on various hangers-on,” Medvedev remarked, hinting that diminished American support could strain Kyiv’s resources in the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, John Bolton, former national security advisor under Trump, voiced concerns about the potential fallout for Ukraine. “I think the Kremlin is delighted that Trump won,” he told CNBC-TV18.

Bolton elaborated on what he sees as Putin’s confidence in handling Trump, noting, “Putin, former KGB agent that he is, thinks he knows exactly how to handle Trump with flattery and the like.” Bolton predicted that Trump’s approach might complicate Western unity on Ukraine, concluding, “all of which is going to mean, among other things, bad news for Ukraine.”

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Despite some Russian officials expressing cautious optimism for a diplomatic “reset” with Trump, the overall message from Moscow remains firm. Russia will “interact with the new administration… firmly upholding Russia’s national interests and working to achieve all the goals of the special military operation.”

The Foreign Ministry closed its statement by affirming that its conditions are “well known in Washington” and will not change, regardless of new American leadership.