November 2016. Russian ultranationalist politician Vladimir Zhirinovsky bought 132 bottles of champagne to celebrate Donald Trump’s surprising victory in the US presidential election. Many in Russia were jubilant; some thought Trump’s win would strengthen U.S.-Russian relations. RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan was ecstatic that she drove around Moscow waving the Stars and Stripes flag. High expectations were placed on Trump, expecting that he would scrap sanctions on Russia and recognize Crimea as part of Russia.

Yet, such hopes didn’t last long. Russian editor Konstantin Remchukov recalled, “Trump introduced the heaviest sanctions against Russia at that time.” At the end of Trump’s term, the great expectations opened in Moscow had flatly ended. Having been so enthusiastic, most Russians were left unsatisfied when they realized that Trump’s presidency couldn’t make the changes they had hoped for.

Caution with a Second Trump Term

Fast forward to the present, and Russian officials have much more reason to fear another Trump term. Some still remember the unwillingness of Trump to condemn Russia or Russia’s actions in Ukraine; meanwhile, the public hesitates to appear cheerful. President Vladimir Putin even “endorsed” Democratic candidate Kamala Harris with a joke, praising her “infectious laugh.” However, the comment was considered an inside joke or trolling on the Kremlin’s part.

However, Moscow is likely more interested in a Trump campaign promise than a Biden gaffe. While campaigning, Trump has sounded decidedly isolationist in saying he would cut US military aid to Ukraine. Furthermore, he appeared unwilling to throw culprits on Putin, which can never benefit Russian leaders.

Kamala Harris, who enjoyed unprecedented popularity during the Democratic convention, has been trying to reiterate her pro-Ukraine rhetoric against Putin, and it’s not easy to call the murderous dictator. She also stressed America’s strategic solid interest in supporting Kyiv.

Biden’s Sanctions Impact

Relations between the US and Russia continue to deteriorate with President Joe Biden. Military and economic aid to Ukraine and harsh sanctions on Russia by Washington have driven relations to their lowest point in years. One of the most important contributions made by Joe Biden’s administration toward Ukraine’s defense is supplying it with advanced weaponry, such as Abrams tanks and HIMARS rocket systems.

Compared to the amiable relations of the 1980s when US-Russian ties were on a more positive trajectory and, under leaders Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, were embroiled in nuclear disarmament efforts and gestures of goodwill, as when a mother duck sculpture was unveiled as a symbol of friendship between Soviet and American children- this deterioration threatens to undo all gains made in the past.

Today, Russia still has a highly divided opinion regarding the US. While some, like fisherman Igor, regard America as an eternal enemy, others, like Svetlana and Nikita, demand peace and friendship between the two nations. Another source of interest is the prospect that someday a woman can lead Russia, for some Russians believe that the female president will have a different approach to governance.

As the dynamics between the US and Russia continue to evolve, there is much clarity on at least one fact: the champagne corks won’t be popping in Moscow anytime soon, and both nations will tread very carefully as they continue their future interactions.

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