Kremlin sees Trump-Zelensky rift as victory, expects closer US ties

The Kremlin views the deteriorating relationship between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a sign of weakened Western support for Kyiv, which Moscow considers its own victory. According to RBC-Ukraine citing The Washington Post, Moscow hopes to use the situation to secure concessions from Ukraine, particularly regarding Donbas, and to expand cooperation with Washington. The US has eased restrictions on Russian diesel, paused new sanctions, and increased pressure on Kyiv, including limiting access to satellite systems and delaying interceptor missile deliveries. Russian officials see the policy shift as a basis for broader economic partnership with the US, discussing projects in the Arctic, energy, and liquefied natural gas. However, the diesel deal is unlikely to significantly affect US fuel prices, as the political effect of deepening Washington-Kyiv divisions is what matters most to Moscow.