The Kremlin reacted cautiously to Donald Trump’s victory on Wednesday, saying the US was still a hostile state and that time would tell if Trump’s rhetoric on ending the Ukraine war translated into reality. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said he was not aware of any plans by Russian President Vladimir Putin to congratulate Trump and relations with Washington were at an historic low.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, said, “I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the ‘peace through strength’ approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer.”
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu wrote on X, “Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback! Your historic return to White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America.” Iran’s govt said the US election “doesn’t have anything specifically to do with us”, even as its currency, the Rial, fell to an all-time low. Mahmoud Abbas, President of Palestinian Authority, said he was confident that the US, under Trump, “would support the legitimate aspirations of Palestinian people.”
Germany and France, EU’s main powers, meanwhile, said the bloc must be united and coordinate closely in view of Trump’s return. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz congratulated Trump, but were quick to stress the challenges posed by his ‘America First’ protectionist trade policy and isolationist rhetoric.
China said its policy towards the US is consistent, and it would “view and handle China-US relations in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful co-existence and win-win cooperation”.
Canada’s PM Justin Trudeau said, “The friendship between Canada and the US is the envy of the world. I know President Trump and I will work together to create more opportunity, prosperity, and security for both of our nations.”
British PM Keir Starmer said he looks forward to working with Trump, “As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise.”
Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte said Trump’s leadership will be key to keeping the alliance strong. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that the EU and US “are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens. Let us work on a transatlantic partnership that continues to deliver for our citizens.”
UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said the UN stands ready to work with Trump’s administration to address dramatic challenges our world is facing.
