New York – As the US presidential election approaches on November 5, the stakes are high not only for American voters, but also for foreign powers, especially Russia. The battle between Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump has reignited concerns about Moscow’s involvement in the US election process, reminiscent of the disputed elections of 2016 and 2020. With allegations of Russian interference gaining momentum again, the implications of the election are being development. closely monitored by the Kremlin.

Recent reports indicate that social media platforms are awash with misinformation, including a viral video falsely claiming to show Haitians voting for Harris. Georgia’s secretary of state attributed the fake content to Russian troll farms, underscoring Moscow’s ongoing effort to sway public opinion and sway election results. US officials have once again pointed the finger at Russia, suggesting the Kremlin has an interest in seeing Trump return to the White House.

However, the dynamic is more complicated than simply favoring one candidate over another. While a Trump victory might appear advantageous to Russia, analysts warn that the Kremlin’s calculations are nuanced, shaped by the former president’s first term. Initially, there were hopes in Russia that Trump’s presidency would usher in a more favorable US foreign policy. However, reality proved otherwise, with Trump imposing new sanctions on Russia and approving lethal military aid to Ukraine, something his predecessor Barack Obama had refrained from doing.

Under President Joe Biden, military support for Ukraine has escalated significantly. Trump’s recent musings on possibly reducing or even cutting aid to Ukraine resonate with some segments of the Russian population. Many in Russia see Trump’s victory as a potential path to peace in Ukraine, believing that US financial support for Kiev could be reduced.

The Kremlin’s official stance on the US election has remained measured. Recently, President Vladimir Putin made a light-hearted remark suggesting his support for Harris because of her “infectious” laugh, but officials later clarified that it was just a joke. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov added that the current state of Russian-American relations is such that it may not matter who occupies the Oval Office. He suggested that key foreign policy decisions are made by the “deep state,” implying continuity regardless of the elected president.

The two candidates’ contrasting foreign policy approaches could have far-reaching implications for Russia. Analysts indicate that a Harris presidency would likely maintain the Biden administration’s strong support for Ukraine, continuing military assistance and potentially strengthening the NATO and EU alliances. In contrast, Trump’s approach seems more unpredictable; he publicly blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for starting the war, suggesting he could quickly negotiate peace if re-elected. That unpredictability is seen as a double-edged sword by Moscow, which may prefer the stability offered by a more predictable Harris administration.

Given these complexities, the Kremlin is likely weighing the potential election results carefully. While a Trump victory could create opportunities for Russian interests in Ukraine, the challenges presented by his first term remain fresh in Moscow’s memory. Instead, a Harris victory would mean a continuation of the current US stance on Russia, which could lead to increased military aid to Ukraine and new economic sanctions.

As the election approaches, the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, with Russia’s involvement in the election narrative serving as a stark reminder of the complicated interplay between US domestic politics and international relations. The result on November 5 could redefine not only US foreign policy, but also the balance of power in Europe and beyond.