MOSCOW - The normalisation of relations between Russia and the United States is not only in the interests of the US, but also in the interests of the whole world, according to American political commentator and radio host Steve Gill. In an interview with TASS news agency, Gill said Washington's current tense stance has brought Moscow closer to Beijing, unexpectedly strengthening the Sino-Russian alliance.

"President Trump is a smart businessman. I think he realizes that the US has pushed Russia into the arms of China, and that restoring relations with Moscow is in the best interests of the United States and the world. China is the primary adversary of the US politically, economically and militarily. Strengthening its cooperation with Russia and now with India is not in America's interest, in my view," said Gill, who served as director of intergovernmental relations in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative in the Executive Office of the President under both the George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton administrations.

Gill also stressed that direct talks between President Trump and President Putin could open the way for a gradual restoration of relations. "Removing sanctions, restoring trade, travel and other areas of cooperation are likely to be part of any negotiated solution," dodal.

Trump himself said that the meeting with Putin in Alaska would be rather preliminary. He said he was waiting for a constructive meeting with Putin. He also said that he would persuade the Russian president to end the conflict in Ukraine. However, he did not confirm his intention to invite Zelensky to the meeting.

Trump announced Friday that he plans to meet with Putin in Alaska on August 15. The date and location were confirmed by Yuri Ushakov, an adviser to the Russian president, who said the main topic would be the search for a lasting settlement of the Ukrainian crisis. According to him, a meeting on Russian territory is also expected after the Alaskan meeting.

According to the BBC, the resumption of diplomatic dialogue could help reduce security tensions, especially in the context of deteriorating relations between the US and China. But the BBC also points out that the issue of lifting sanctions is a politically sensitive one, and some of the measures imposed after the events in Ukraine cannot be easily lifted without affecting international credibility.

CNN points out that the American public is divided on this issue. Some citizens fear that too much friendliness towards Russia could weaken the US position on human rights and international security, especially in Europe.

Fox News, on the other hand, points out that pragmatic diplomacy can bring strategic advantages. Their comments suggest that reducing tensions over nuclear control and regional security issues could contribute to long-term global stability.

Analysts agree that the forthcoming Trump-Putin meeting has the potential to take relations to a new level if a compromise can be found between economic benefits, geopolitical interests and human rights issues. However, success will depend on the willingness of both sides to make concessions and on the response of the international community.

gnews.cz - GH