“Vladimir Putin and Russia. 'When a bear wakes up from hibernation, he doesn't eat a few blueberries and then go back to sleep.' They have their eyes on Eastern Europe, and if NATO is not willing to stand up forcefully to this threat today, it will only become more difficult to do so down the road.” IfsEyeTodayDifficultSleepWillingBearsEuropeWake UpThreatRussiaEasternPutinDown The RoadNatoEastern EuropeBlueberriesHibernation Author:Seth Moulton
“There are a series of connections between Donald Trump and his closest advisers and Russia that at least raise significant questions. Some of those questions could be answered if Donald Trump was willing to release his tax returns, but he's unwilling to do that.” IfsWillingReturnTrumpTaxesConnectionsRaisesSeriesSignificantRussiaReleaseClosestUnwillingAdviserTax Returns Author:Tim Kaine
“Donald Trump is much more suspicious of international institutions; much more skeptical of the contributions that America's traditional allies have made; more willing, in some cases, to entertain the possibility of getting along with countries who some would call an adversary, such as Mr. Putin's Russia.” MadeCountryAmericaCasesPossibilityWillingTrumpInstitutionsInternationalRussiaTraditionalContributionAlliesSuspiciousAdversariesSkepticalPutinGetting Along Author:Richard N. Haass
“I think Hillary Clinton is more suspicious, clearly tougher on Russian policy in Ukraine, Georgia, Syria; more willing to support sanctions; not against negotiating with Putin, but I would say tougher and more skeptical. And Donald Trump has talked about revisiting policy towards Ukraine, revisiting policy about sanctions towards Russia, not as quick to criticize Putin for what he might be up to in Syria and propping up the regime there - so just seems to be more open to the possibilities of working out some kind of a - I guess you'd call a modus vivendi with Putin.” ThinkingKindSeemsMightSupportPolicyPossibilityWillingTrumpClintonWork OutRussiaCriticizeRegimesSyriaSuspiciousSkepticalPutinUkraineSanctionsGeorgiaNegotiating Author:Richard N. Haass
“My hope is that the president-elect [Donald Trump] coming in takes a similarly constructive approach, finding areas where we can cooperate with Russia, where our values and interests align. But that the president-elect also is willing to stand up to Russia where they are deviating from our values and international norms.” ValuesPresidentInterestWillingTrumpFindingsApproachAreasInternationalRussiaNormConstructive Author:Barack Obama
“Quite frankly, I have to admit that with regard to the enormous financial assets and funds of Russian leaders in Western banks and on stock markets, the chances for the West to exert influence on Russia are quite low. I doubt that Western leaders are willing to exert pressure. I would not exclude an intervention in case of a crisis.” ChanceLeaderCasesDoubtInfluenceWillingLowsPressureRegardCrisisWestWesternFinancialRussiaEnormousFundAssetsIntervention Author:Garry Kasparov
“What you have in President Trump is someone who is willing to, and is, in fact, engaging the world, including Russia, and saying, where can we find common interests that will advance the security of the American people, the peace and prosperity of the world? And he is determined to come at that in a new and renewed way.” PeopleWorldWayFactsPresidentInterestCommonSecurityWillingTrumpIncludingProsperityDeterminedRussiaEngagingCommon Interests Author:Mike Pence
“Donald Trump is an American presidential nominee who was describing Russia in terms that they haven't heard almost ever. And so there is a belief that Donald Trump would be a collaborative, willing and I think perhaps quite able partner.” ThinkingWould BeAbleBeliefTermHeardHavensWillingTrumpPartnersRussiaPresidentialDescribingAmerican President Author:Evan Osnos
“There is nothing wrong when the Trump administration says it wants to find areas of common ground to work with Russia - perfectly reasonable. The question is, are you willing to pay the Russians in advance for the privilege of working with them in areas that are supposed to be of common interest, and that - I don't see the American interest in doing so.” WantInterestCommonPayWillingTrumpAreasPrivilegeRussiaAdministrationSupposed To BeReasonableCommon GroundCommon Interests Author:Daniel Fried