WASHINGTON, DC, USA – President-elect Donald Trump’s recent social media posts suggesting annexation of Greenland, Canada, and the Panama Canal have sent shockwaves across international relations, alarming U.S. allies and emboldening adversaries.
In Russia, state-controlled media and Kremlin officials are celebrating the remarks as a validation of aggressive territorial expansion and a potential signal of alignment with Russia’s geopolitical ambitions.
A Shared Vision for Expansion
Trump’s suggestions have drawn comparisons to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, a move Trump famously described as “genius” and “savvy.”
Kremlin insiders have interpreted Trump’s statements as evidence that he would embrace similar conquests, particularly against nations unable to resist militarily.
During a broadcast of Vesti Nedeli (The Weekly News), Russian propagandist Dmitry Kiselyov lauded Trump’s statements, calling them a precursor to a new era of U.S. territorial expansion.
“Trump isn’t joking. He is determined to expand American territorial possessions. Personally, I am convinced that he will succeed,” Kiselyov said, adding that such actions could normalize land grabs worldwide.
Russian State TV Cheers Trump
On The Evening With Vladimir Solovyov, a popular Russian talk show, pundits spent significant airtime discussing Trump’s comments.
Host Vladimir Solovyov and other panelists praised Trump’s rhetoric as a bold challenge to NATO and the Western alliance, portraying it as a green light for Russia to pursue its territorial ambitions.
“Trump is not joking about Greenland, Panama, or Canada,” Solovyov stated. “We should follow his example and quietly take everything back.”
Echoing Putin ally Dmitry Medvedev, Solovyov argued that Russia should capitalize on this moment by pushing for more territorial gains, including reclaiming former Soviet territories and Alaska.
Implications for Global Order
Experts on Russian state media suggested that Trump’s rhetoric undermines the current global order and accelerates a shift toward a world dominated by empires.
Political scientist Dmitry Kulikov declared that the era of nation-states is over: “The new world is dawning,” he said.
Military analyst Mikhail Khodaryonok argued that Trump’s statements effectively normalize “special military operations” as a legitimate means of resolving disputes, likening them to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Western Silence Interpreted as Weakness
Russia’s pundits also criticized Western leaders for their lack of response to Trump’s comments.
“The silence of European leaders clearly confirms that the collective West is finished,” said Professor Dmitry Evstafiev.
“Trump is a destroyer. He will tear down the old world order.”
A Strategic Opportunity for Moscow
The Kremlin views Trump’s rhetoric as a boon for Russia’s interests, particularly if it leads to diminished cohesion within NATO and the broader Western alliance.
The narrative emerging from Moscow is that Trump’s presidency could provide unprecedented opportunities for Russia to expand its influence and secure its territorial ambitions without significant resistance.
A Warning to the Global Community
While Russia celebrates, analysts in the West warn that Trump’s statements and the enthusiastic reception they have received in Moscow could further destabilize international relations.
The normalization of territorial annexation risks setting a dangerous precedent, potentially encouraging other nations to pursue aggressive land grabs under the guise of geopolitical strategy.
As Trump’s inauguration approaches, the world watches closely, unsure whether his comments signal a fundamental shift in U.S. foreign policy or mere rhetorical posturing.
For now, Moscow seems emboldened, viewing the incoming administration as an ally in dismantling the global order.
