US sanctions on Russia Dichotomy in the foreign policy - EXCLUSIVE

Interviews 12:45 20.07.2017
Political approaches to US sanctions on Russia and Iran obviously showed the rising tensions between Republicans and Democrats in US foreign policy. Nowadays, White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders underlined that “sanctions against Russia and Iran are risky for US foreign policy”, although Democrats in the US House of Representatives introduced a new version of a Russia and Iran sanctions bill, hoping to send a message to President Donald Trump to maintain a strong line against Moscow. 
 
Commenting the meeting with Vladimir Putin in G20 Summit, Trump states on his twitter account that “...We negotiated a ceasefire in parts of Syria which will save lives. Now it is time to move forward in working constructively with Russia”.
Within the Summit “handshake” was also in the core of the meeting between the heads of US and Russia. In comparison with other presidents, Trump’s handshaking with Putin was “soft” and gently. 
 
White House’s policy toward Russia under Trump administration
 
 
Professor at the Department of International Relations at Central European University, Erin Kristin Jenne states in her response to Eurasia Diary’s questions that there has been a lot of continuity between the Obama and Trump administrations.  
 
“For example, the Trump administration has continued Obama's policies of countering the Islamic State in Iraq and avoiding an open military confrontation in Syria. Likewise, neither Congress nor members of the Trump administration have moved to lift sanctions on Russia over Ukraine, despite Trump's stated interest in doing so. Finally, investigations by the intelligence community and Congress into links between the Trump campaign and the Russian government are likely to persist throughout Trump's presidency, constraining his ability to put a new face on US foreign policy.”
 
Diplomatic tensions between US and Russia
 
 
Paul Robinson, Professor on Public and International affairs at Ottawa University says that there is little practical difference between the two administrations. 
 
“One gets the impression that Trump would like to reduce tensions with Russia, but I see no sign that other Republicans have the same desire. In this sense, there is a divide between the White House and other Republicans, particularly those in Congress.”
 
He also mentions that Trump has said some positive things about Putin following their meeting, but so far he has continued the policy of the Obama administration by maintaining and indeed strengthening sanctions against Russia. Some of Trump’s officials, notably Nikki Haley, have also spoken very harshly about Russia.
 
Effectiveness of the sanctions
 
Both experts underline that despite the China’s support to Russia, sanctions of the Western countries had negative impacts on Russian economy. Professor Erin K. Jenne considers that Western sanctions have clearly hurt Russian businesses (particularly banks and the energy sector), the currency and the economy as a whole. 
 
“Russia's determination to end western sanctions is a major reason why Moscow attempted to alter the outcome of the US elections in 2016.”
 
According to Mr. Paul Robinson, although it is observed some influence on the economy of Russian Federation, there is no any change on the policy of official Kremlin. 
 
“Sanctions have had a negative effect on the Russian economy, helping drive it into recession in 2015-2017. It is also possible that they may have acted as a constraint on Russia’s policy vis-à-vis Ukraine. But overall, they cannot be said to have succeeded in achieving their declared policy goals. The Russian economy is now beginning to grow again, while Russia has not altered its policy towards Ukraine in the manner that Western states desire.”
 
NATO’s expansion around Russia, US military bases and military exercises near China underestimate any political compromise in the global context.
 
 
Farid Hasanov
 
IEPF issued a statement regarding Azerbaijani children at the UN Human Rights Council

News line

Netanyahu nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize
09:00 08.07.2025
Geno rejects signing of 38-year-old Jamie Vardy
21:00 07.07.2025
Gaza death toll passes 57,500 as Israeli attacks continue unabated
20:45 07.07.2025
Russian emergencies minister arrives in Baku
20:25 07.07.2025
Trump due to meet Netanyahu at White House
20:15 07.07.2025
Russia attacks recruitment centers in Ukraine's Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia
20:00 07.07.2025
Pezeshkian says Israel attempted assassination against him
19:45 07.07.2025
Iran has military capability to strike Israel daily for 2 years, IRGC adviser says
19:20 07.07.2025
US envoy says ‘satisfied’ with Lebanese response on roadmap to disarm Hezbollah
19:00 07.07.2025
Peskov: Russia, Azerbaijan should remain close partners, allies
18:45 07.07.2025
The Gulf Observer: Armenians' destruction of Azerbaijan's cultural heritage - vandalism against all humanity
18:30 07.07.2025
Official: Nearly 1M foreigners arrived in Azerbaijan in 5 months of 2025
18:15 07.07.2025
Chief of General Staff of Azerbaijan Army visits Saudi Arabia
18:00 07.07.2025
Israeli PM approved Yemen airstrikes during his flight to US
17:45 07.07.2025
Expert: ECO Summit in Khankendi confirmed member countries' desire for inclusive, multipolar world
17:30 07.07.2025
AZAL introduces new online service
17:15 07.07.2025
Poland imposes checks on German and Lithuanian borders amid migration fears
17:00 07.07.2025
Saudi Arabia raises August oil prices for Asia, Europe buyers
16:45 07.07.2025
EU Reporter: Karabakh region became platform for int'l forums
16:15 07.07.2025
Georgian PM says direct foreign interference in democratic elections failed
16:00 07.07.2025
Typhoon Danas kills two in Taiwan, injures over 500
15:45 07.07.2025
'Coalition of the Willing' may fall apart over Starmer-Macron conflict
15:30 07.07.2025
Former Adjara head hospitalized with gunshot wound in Georgia
15:15 07.07.2025
Scientists reveal how caffeine slows down aging
15:00 07.07.2025
Thailand to offer US more trade concessions to avert 36% tariff
14:45 07.07.2025
Putin dismisses transport minister
14:30 07.07.2025
Israel carries out strikes on Houthi-controlled power station, ports across Yemen
14:15 07.07.2025
UK to name Iran as one of its biggest threats
14:00 07.07.2025
Armenia rejects possibility of using country's territory for military purposes
13:45 07.07.2025
Mexico defeats US for second consecutive Gold Cup title
13:30 07.07.2025
Iranian FM calls attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities flagrant violation of NPT
13:15 07.07.2025
Netanyahu lands in US ahead of White House meeting with Trump
13:00 07.07.2025
Ilham Aliyev receives delegation led by Pakistani National Assembly speaker
12:55 07.07.2025
Araghchi: BRICS to play key role in defending world order
12:45 07.07.2025
Eight Turkish soldiers martyred in northern Iraq
12:30 07.07.2025
Pro-Palestinian protesters gather outside White House ahead of Israeli premier's visit
12:15 07.07.2025
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent scoffs at Musk’s new America Party
12:00 07.07.2025
Trump dismisses Musk’s third party idea as ‘ridiculous’
11:45 07.07.2025
Israeli army launches airstrikes on western Yemen
11:30 07.07.2025
Trump says Gaza ceasefire deal could be reached this week
11:15 07.07.2025
Hamısı