Ties depend on US, says Russia as world leaders greet Prez-elect

Global leaders congratulated Donald Trump on Wednesday as he won the US presidential election, capping a stunning political comeback four years after he left the White House.

Starmer was among the first world leaders to issue a congratulatory message soon after Trump addressed a rally in Florida to claim victory in the US presidential race. He said the “special relationship” between the UK and the US would continue to prosper under the new American administration after Trump clinched crucial battleground states in the US overnight.

Hoping that the latest development can bring peace, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, “I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the ‘peace through strength’ approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer.”

A Kremlin spokesperson said Russian President Vladimir Putin remained open to engaging in a “constructive dialogue” with the US, asserting that the future of Washington-Moscow relations depends on the American administration. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov made the remarks while responding to a question about whether relations between the US and Russia would deteriorate if Putin did not congratulate Trump, the state-owned TASS news agency reported.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, congratulated Trump, saying: “Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory! In true friendship.” Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority said, “We will remain steadfast over our commitment to peace. We are confident that the US under your leadership would support the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.”

“Congratulations, President Donald Trump. Ready to work together just as we knew how to do during four years. With your convictions and with mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity,” France President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X. Mao Ning, spokesperson, Chinese Foreign Ministry, “Our policy towards the US is consistent. We will continue to view and handle China-US relations in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful co-existence and win-win cooperation.”

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, said: “Congratulations to Donald Trump on being elected President of the United States. The friendship between Canada and the US is the envy of the world.”

China reacts cautiously

• China on Wednesday reacted guardedly to Donald Trump's election as the US president for the second time, saying it will continue to handle China-US relations in accordance with the “principles of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.”
• The state media, however, said Trump's victory could mark a new beginning in China-US relations “if the chance that has been offered is not wasted.”