The Kremlin reacted cautiously on Wednesday after Donald Trump declared victory in the US presidential election, saying the US was still a hostile state and that time would tell if Trump rhetoric on ending the Ukraine war translated into reality.

The Russian foreign ministry said on Wednesday that Moscow had no illusions about Donald Trump after he was elected US President and would work with the new US administration to robustly defend Russian national interests.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Trump had made some important statements about wanting to end the Ukraine war during his campaign, but only time would tell if they lead to action.

Iranians worried

Trump’s victory drew mixed reactions among ordinary Iranians, with some fearing a heightened risk of war and economic hardship but others hoping his hardline stance might bring political change in Iran.

“I am so glad Trump won. I hope he continues his maximum pressure on the Islamic Republic and that it leads to the collapse of this regime,” housewife Zohre, 42, told Reuters by phone from Tehran.

Some Iranians like retired teacher Hamidreza feared further economic pressure with Trump in the White House if he continues the same tough policy he adopted in his 2017-2021 first term.

‘Special’ Starmer

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was among the first world leaders to issue a congratulatory message soon after Trump addressed a rally in Florida to claim victory in the US presidential race.

He said the “special relationship” between the UK and the US would continue to prosper under the new American administration after Trump clinched crucial battleground states in the US overnight.

“Congratulations President-elect Trump on your historic election victory. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead,” Starmer said in a statement released by 10 Downing Street in London.

Historic return: Bibi

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu congratulated Trump for his “historic return to the White House”.

Addressing Trump and his wife Melania Trump, Netanyahu in a post on X,
formerly Twitter, said, “Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America.

“This is a huge victory!”

Reuters