Vladimir Putin’s new six-year presidential term is likely to bring worsening relations with the United States, driven largely by his concern over Russia’s internal political future. Because this may be his final term, Putin will focus on selecting a loyal successor who can protect him and his family, while attempting to suppress opposition from figures such as Alexey Navalny and prevent younger, internet-connected Russians from challenging the regime. His belief that the United States orchestrates domestic protests and political movements will reinforce confrontation, making continued tensions over Ukraine, alleged election interference and Syria likely to escalate.

Vladimir Putin's decisive victory in the 2018 Russian presidential election contrasts sharply with the aftermath of his 2012 win, which saw widespread protests. Despite economic stagnation, international sanctions, and increased church interference in daily life, there have been no significant demonstrations this time. Many former protesters have emigrated or disengaged from politics, reflecting a mindset of hoping for stability rather than improvement.

The article critically examines the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the G-20 summit in Hamburg. While Russian officials and state media hailed the meeting as a success, the article highlights skepticism from various Russian politicians, journalists, and citizens. It discusses the challenges in U.S.-Russia relations, including differing views on Syria, Ukraine, and Russian sanctions. The article suggests that despite the positive reactions in Russia, the fundamental disputes between the two countries remain unresolved, and the meeting is unlikely to significantly change the global dynamic.

The United States and Russia may be entering a more positive phase in their relationship due to potential cooperation in Syria, despite previous tensions from the U.S. missile strike on Syrian forces. Both President Trump and President Putin see political benefits in this cooperation, with Putin using it to bolster his domestic support ahead of the 2018 presidential election and Trump seeking to counteract low approval ratings and allegations of Russian ties. The article suggests that while this cooperation may benefit the leaders politically, it could prolong the Syrian civil war and increase refugee flows to Europe, potentially leading to more terrorist attacks in the EU. The piece calls for genuine cooperation between the U.S. and Russia to address the Syrian conflict and combat ISIS effectively.

Russians are increasingly frustrated with the ongoing controversy surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump's ties to Russia, fearing it may harm bilateral relations. New revelations about undisclosed contacts between Trump's team and Russian officials have cooled the initial 'bromance' between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russian politicians and media have adopted a more critical tone, distancing themselves from Trump. The controversy has led to a shift in perception, with some Russians viewing the situation as beneficial chaos created by Trump, while others see it as a tactical move by Trump to avoid accusations of bias towards Russia. The future of U.S.-Russia relations remains uncertain, with potential implications for conflicts like Syria and the status of Crimea.

The article draws parallels between the anti-Putin protests in Russia and the public dissent in the United States following Donald Trump's election. It offers advice from Russian protesters on how Americans can effectively oppose Trump, emphasizing the importance of holding leaders accountable, maintaining persistent protests, and being cautious of media hysteria. The text highlights the similarities in the political tactics of Putin and Trump, suggesting that Americans should learn from Russia's experience to prevent a similar escalation. The sentiment towards both leaders is predominantly negative, with concerns about their leadership styles and potential impacts on democracy.

U.S.-Russia relations are at a critical juncture, influenced by recent U.S. sanctions against Russia for alleged election interference and the evolving conflict in Syria. President Obama has imposed new sanctions, while President-elect Trump’s stance on Russia remains ambiguous. The Syrian conflict, particularly the fall of Aleppo and subsequent peace talks brokered by Russia, Iran, and Turkey, highlights the shifting geopolitical landscape. Experts suggest that Trump may delegate more responsibility in Syria to Russia, potentially improving bilateral relations. However, domestic opinions in Russia show growing fatigue and skepticism about the country's involvement in Syria, which could impact Putin's political standing.

The election of Donald Trump as U.S. President has elicited a range of reactions in Russia, from government optimism to opposition and public skepticism. While the Kremlin and Russian parliament express positive sentiments, expecting improved U.S.-Russia relations, opposition leaders like Alexei Navalny predict negative consequences for Russia. Public intellectuals and media outlets largely view Trump's victory as problematic, fearing chaos and the amplification of democratic weaknesses. Russian citizens express mixed feelings, some hopeful due to Trump's business background, others doubtful of significant change due to systemic constraints in U.S. politics. The overall sentiment is one of uncertainty, with many Russians preferring to wait and see how Trump's presidency unfolds.

As the U.S. presidential election approaches, the relationship between the U.S. and Russia is tense, reminiscent of a 'Cold War' era. The article discusses how Vladimir Putin may respond to either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump as president, with Clinton having a history of negative interactions with Putin and Trump perceived more positively in Russia. The article suggests that regardless of the election outcome, Putin may use the U.S. as an adversary to consolidate his power in Russia, and that any opposition to the U.S. is likely to be more of a political gesture than a return to Cold War hostilities.

The Russian Federation's recent parliamentary elections saw the ruling party, United Russia, secure a dominant position despite economic hardships and sanctions. President Vladimir Putin's ability to incite nationalism and maintain public support is evident, even as sanctions have led to rising inflation and a decline in living standards. The sanctions, initially a response to Russia's annexation of Crimea, have had significant economic impacts on both Russia and the EU. Despite the hardships, many Russians view the sanctions as a sign of strength against the West, bolstering Putin's position. The article explores the complex interplay between economic sanctions, public opinion, and political power in Russia.