Trump calls for ending hostilities with Russia

Donald Trump, the leading Republican candidate in the U.S. presidential elections, outlined his foreign policy for the first time in an April 27 speech in Washington. Based on the theme of America First, Trump identified his main foreign policy goal as developing “a long-term plan to halt the spread and reach of Islam,” referring to Islam 16 times.

Trump made no mention of Ukraine but five references to Russia. The U.S. should live peacefully and in friendship with Russia and China, despite serious differences, he said. The U.S. should seek common ground with Russia based on shared interests, such as security against Islamic terrorism, he said.

“I believe an easing of tensions and improved relations with Russia – from a position of strength – is possible,” Trump said. “Common sense says this cycle of hostility must end. Some say the Russians won’t be reasonable. I intend to find out. If we can’t make a good deal for America, then we quickly walk from the table.”

Zenon Zawada: Trump has been the worst presidential candidate for Ukraine’s prospects of Western integration and this isolationist foreign policy platform serves as the latest confirmation. Among Trump’s key political advisors, hired within the last month, is Paul Manafort, who worked closely with former Ukrainian President Yanukovych, who was ousted from power after rejecting the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement.

Trump has earned the most delegates for the Republican convention in July, but he still faces an effort by his Republican enemies (led by anti-Putin hawk Ted Cruz) to deny him the party’s nomination involving the manipulation of delegates and their mandates. If Trump is denied the nomination, it’s possible he will mount a third-party candidacy, which reduces his chances of being elected further.