,” political analyst Abbas Gallyamov told POLITICO. “What Putin promised to do in Ukraine, Trump did in half an hour .”
The Unlikely Ally
For years, Russia has positioned itself as a key player resisting American-led Western hegemony, fostering alliances based on mutual distrust of the U.S. However, recent events have shown that these so-called allies are often unreliable when needed most.
Russia’s failure to intervene in the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, the collapse of Syria’s regime despite years of support, and its inability to protect its ally’s interests in Venezuela have left Moscow scrambling for answers. Russian energy and military ties with Caracas run deep, but Maduro’s capture highlights Russia’s vulnerability.
The situation has not only embarrassed Putin personally but also prompted a broader introspection among nationalist factions within Russia. The loss of face is palpable: “All of Russia is asking itself why we don’t deal with our enemies in a similar way,” wrote prominent ultranationalist Aleksandr Dugin on his Telegram account.
Envy and Rivalry
The Russian response to the U.S. intervention has been marked by condemnation, but also by a veiled envy. State media and pro-Kremlin mouthpieces have called for Russia to emulate Trump’s actions, suggesting that Putin should take a more assertive stance in handling his own adversaries.
“Do like Trump, do it better than Trump. And faster,” said Dugin. This sentiment reflects the broader frustration among Russian nationalists who see their leader as falling short of global expectations.
The Future of Multipolarity
The implications for Putin’s vision of a multipolar world are significant. If Russia cannot match the bold and decisive actions taken by the U.S., it risks being seen as a less relevant player on the global stage. Analysts suggest that this could lead to a reevaluation of Russia’s strategic priorities, with some speculating that Moscow might focus more on traditional European spheres of influence.
However, for now, the humiliation remains palpable. “Putin himself created a world where the only thing that matters is success,” Gallyamov added. “And now the Americans have shown how it’s done, while Putin’s humiliation is obvious for everyone to see.”
The global chessboard has shifted, and Russia will need to adapt to this new reality if it hopes to maintain its position as a key player in international relations.
