| The first signals from the newborn American administration to Russia definitely show that the baby does not promise to be complacent. No, no, nothing unnatural is happening. Almost all positions - from plans to create a large-scale missile defense to dissatisfaction with corruption in our country - were stated in advance. Except that they are now served with deliberate harshness. It is equally designed, however, for internal use. The Borodin case is also woven into this, even if American officials deny that they were the instigators of the incident.
There is no doubt that we have and already have those who want to immediately repay in the same coin. This instinctive desire is understandable. It is important, however, that people invested with high state responsibility do not succumb to it. At the current initial stage of forming relations with the new American government, it is wiser to show restraint. Let her define herself more fully. By doing so, we will not weaken, but rather strengthen our positions in a future conversation on the merits.
The pause in the American direction can be used for active actions in other vectors of Russian foreign policy. First of all, European. But not in a way that tries to win Europeans over to their side against the United States. What is needed is not an anti-American, but a pro-Russian policy. We have been burned dozens of times because we believed that Western Europe would go against the United States. You should not have vain illusions. Yes, at the dinner table many Europeans may complain that Russia, unlike the Soviet Union, no longer limits the omnipotence of the United States. But it is extremely unproductive for us to transform such thoughts into real politics. But Washington can, not without success, use our anti-Americanism, real or hypothetical, in order to frighten Western Europe with the specter of a revival of the Soviet threat. So let them sort it out among themselves. They have a lot of mutual claims even without us.
Geopolitical combinations certainly have a place in our foreign policy. But still, the main thing for her today is the economic component. Let’s not try to become friends, let alone coalition allies, with anyone. But you shouldn’t miss opportunities to solve your economic problems because of your love for polemical fervour.
Russia, finally concentrate! Anatoly ADAMISHIN, former First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia
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