New US Security Strategy Aligns with Russia’s Vision, Moscow Says

Key Highlights

  • Russia welcomes US President Donald Trump’s new National Security Strategy as “largely consistent” with its vision.
  • The document suggests Europe faces “civilisational erasure,” and does not cast Russia as a threat to the US.
  • The strategy focuses on combating foreign influence, ending mass migration, and rejecting EU censorship.
  • Some EU officials criticize the focus on freedom of expression, comparing it to Kremlin language.

America First: New US Security Strategy Aligns with Russia’s Vision, Moscow Says

The Russia government has expressed approval for President Donald Trump’s new National Security Strategy, which it deems “largely consistent” with its own vision. This strategy, unveiled by the US administration this week, takes a softer stance towards Russia compared to previous documents, prompting concerns among EU officials who worry about NATO unity in addressing security challenges.

The New Strategy’s Alignment with Moscow’s Vision

Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump last met for a summit in August at an American military base in Alaska. In an interview published by Russia’s state news agency Tass, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the document’s adjustments are “largely consistent” with Moscow’s vision. He added, “We consider this a positive step, and we will continue to analyse it before drawing strong conclusions.”

Europe’s Concerns and Criticisms

The new strategy adopts a more nuanced approach towards Europe, suggesting that the continent faces “civilisational erasure” while not portraying Russia as a direct threat. It emphasizes combating foreign influence, ending mass migration, and rejecting what it perceives as EU censorship. Several European Union officials and analysts have pushed back on these points, questioning the strategy’s focus on freedom of expression and likening its language to that used by the Kremlin.

The adjustments we’re seeing… are largely consistent with our vision,” Peskov told Tass. “We consider this a positive step,” he added. However, some EU officials remain cautious, as seen in comments from German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who stated that the US will continue to be Germany’s most important ally, but highlighted concerns over issues such as freedom of expression and organizational structures within European societies.

America First: Priorities and Implications for Europe

The strategy calls for restoring “Western identity” and predicts that Europe will be unrecognizable in 20 years or less, with its economic issues eclipsed by the prospect of “civilisational erasure.” It also suggests that certain European countries may not have the economies and militaries strong enough to remain reliable allies. Notably, the document endorses efforts to influence policy on the continent, stating that US policy should prioritize “resistance to Europe’s current trajectory within European nations.”

In response, some officials emphasized their lasting relationship with the US while raising questions over the document’s approach. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, in a social media post directed at his “American friends,” stated that “Europe is your closest ally, not your problem.” He noted common enemies and suggested this as the only reasonable strategy for their shared security.

Global Implications: Targeting Venezuela and Increasing Defense Spending

The new report also calls for targeted action against alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, considering possible military action in Venezuela. Additionally, it urges increased defense spending from Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Taiwan. These measures are part of a broader strategy to strengthen US global influence and address security challenges.

Democrats in Congress have expressed concerns that the document could harm US foreign relations.

Representative Jason Crow warned that the strategy is “catastrophic to America’s standing in the world,” while New York Representative Gregory Meeks criticized it for discarding decades of value-based, US leadership.

The new National Security Strategy represents a significant shift in US foreign policy and will be closely monitored as it impacts global alliances and security dynamics. As the US continues to engage with Russia and Europe, these changes may have far-reaching consequences for international relations and stability.