The key facts

  • Russian Foreign Ministry: cooperation with the US is possible only where it is «needed and beneficial» to Russia
  • Russia is prepared for new Western sanctions
  • On November 3, the US held midterm congressional elections

Moscow's conditions

Russia remains ready for joint projects with the United States, but only on the condition of its own benefit. This was stated by Dmitry Birichevsky, director of the economic cooperation department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, in a comment to RIA Novosti. «We remain open to pursuing joint initiatives with the Americans where it is technically possible — but only when it is needed and beneficial to us ourselves,» his words are quoted by Gazeta.Ru. The diplomat also noted that the Russian side is prepared for new sanctions from the West.

Context: congressional elections

The statement came against the backdrop of the US midterm elections held on November 3: Americans elected the entire House of Representatives and about a third of the Senate, and the results will determine the balance of power in the federal government for the next two years. According to Gazeta.Ru, many experts predict that the Republicans may lose one or both chambers of Congress, which would weaken the political leverage of President Donald Trump. Trump himself previously stated that he does not intend to challenge the decisions of Congress. The outlet also considers the possible impact of the voting results on the settlement in Ukraine; the election results are not given in the publication.