US increases tensions with Russia to show off power

(Baonghean.vn) - Analysts say the tension that flared up between the US and Russia this week is due to Washington's efforts to please anti-Russian forces at home, but the confrontation between the two former Cold War enemies will not cross the red line.

US President Donald Trump is under the strongest pressure from domestic political opponents. Photo: AP

Over the weekend, the US-led international coalition shot down a Syrian Su-22 bomber and the Russian Defense Ministry suspended a military hotline for air communication with the US side.

On June 19, Russia dispatched Su-27 fighter jets to intercept two US RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea, and Moscow accused one of the two aircraft of provoking the Russian aircraft during the interception.

Then, on June 20, the US Treasury Department imposed additional sanctions on Russia over its activities in Ukraine, blacklisting 38 individuals and entities, while Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov canceled consultations aimed at mending bilateral relations with his US counterpart Thomas Shannon.

“Right now, Russia-US relations are at an extremely low point,” said Vladimir Sotnikov, a senior researcher at the Moscow-based Institute of World Economy and International Relations, warning that Moscow and Washington were on the verge of a new cold war.

“US President Donald Trump is under the strongest pressure from his domestic political opponents. He needs to shift his domestic attention to external issues and present himself as an effective leader capable of making tough decisions,” said Sotnikov.

The upcoming summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump will be a diplomatic meeting. Photo: AP

Since taking office, President Trump has been dogged by accusations from his opponents that he may have had secret ties to Russia.

According to Mr. Sotnikov, the recent increase in tensions with Moscow is aimed at demonstrating Washington’s intention to act from a position of strength. However, according to him, the increased tensions will not lead to dangerous incidents that could have unpredictable consequences.

Mr. Sotnikov commented that the upcoming summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany in July will be a brief and diplomatic meeting.

The prospects for easing tensions could be discussed, as well as steps towards normalizing bilateral relations. But Mr. Sotnikov said: "These steps will not be realized because the current bilateral relations are too complicated and troublesome"./.

Lan Ha

(According to THX)