How Russians are reacting to Trump's election victory: Video

Many are hoping that his administration might help bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a war initiated by Russia in February 2022.

Trump, who has long criticized U.S. military aid to Ukraine and expressed his admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, has repeatedly suggested—though without specifics—that he could quickly end the war if elected.

"I hope that if Trump is elected, the situation in Ukraine will improve and develop," said Alexander, a 48-year-old engineer.

Trump’s stance on the conflict has focused on reducing U.S. support for Ukraine, particularly the billions of dollars in military aid sent to Kyiv to help counter Russian advances. However, the former president has not detailed what steps he would take to achieve a resolution or whether his proposed approach would involve direct negotiations with Moscow.

Despite Trump's rhetoric, Russia’s military has made significant territorial gains in Ukraine over the past months, and Moscow has insisted that it will only accept a peace deal if Ukraine agrees to surrender large portions of its territory.

Many in Moscow believe that a Trump presidency could lead to a reduction in U.S. military assistance to Ukraine, which would shift the balance of the ongoing war. "If Trump is elected, at this point, there will likely be less aid to Ukraine and a big change in U.S. domestic politics," Yevgeny, a 19-year-old student told AFP.

However, some Muscovites are more sceptical, remembering that during Trump’s previous term, despite his often anti-interventionist rhetoric, U.S. policy toward Russia did not significantly change. "Campaigning is one thing, and actually sitting in the chair and taking action is quite another," said Ivan. "Something will change, but it’s too early to say what."