A Kremlin Propagandist Compares Trump’s Actions to the Soviet Union’s Final Days

Introduction to Shakhnazarov’s Comments

Karen Shakhnazarov, a prominent Russian film director and vocal supporter of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, has made controversial remarks comparing President Donald Trump’s actions to the policies of the Soviet Union in its final years. Speaking on Russian state television, Shakhnazarov expressed his approval of Trump’s geopolitical statements, suggesting that they would weaken the United States, which he referred to as Moscow’s "main adversary." His comments have sparked interest, as they reflect a shift in tone among Russian pundits, who seem to have transitioned from expressing concern about Trump’s presidency to actively disparaging the U.S. president. The White House has been contacted for comment, but no response has been reported as of yet.

The Significance of Shakhnazarov’s Statements

While Shakhnazarov’s comments on state television do not necessarily represent the official stance of the Kremlin, they are indicative of a broader trend among Russian pundits. Since Trump took office, there has been a noticeable shift in their rhetoric, from apprehension about the potential implications of his administration for Russia to open criticism and even mockery of the U.S. president. Shakhnazarov, a 72-year-old internationally recognized film director and regular guest on the Russia 1 channel, has been decorated by Putin with the title of People’s Artist of Russia. His remarks, therefore, carry a degree of influence and visibility, even if they may not directly reflect Kremlin policy.

Shakhnazarov’s Criticism of Trump

During his appearance on the Sunday Evening with Vladimir Solovyov program, Shakhnazarov drew parallels between Trump’s statements and the actions of patients in mental asylums, where individuals may appear normal but harbor underlying issues. He specifically targeted Trump’s comments on moving people out of Gaza and rebuilding the region, suggesting that such statements were indicative of a deeper instability. Shakhnazarov also alluded to the displacement of Jewish people during World War II, warning that Russia should not harbor any illusions about Trump’s ideological awareness. He drew a direct comparison between Trump’s policies and the reforms implemented by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in the late 1980s, known as "perestroika" (reconstruction) and "glasnost" (transparency), which are often credited with contributing to the Soviet Union’s collapse. Shakhnazarov suggested that Trump’s actions were similarly destabilizing and would ultimately lead to the weakening and potential disintegration of the United States, a prospect he openly welcomed.

Reactions to Shakhnazarov’s Remarks

Shakhnazarov’s comments have been met with a mix of amusement and interest. During the broadcast, his analogy about mental asylums prompted laughter from the show’s guests and host, Vladimir Solovyov, who seemed to anticipate the direction of his remarks. Julia Davis, a Russia watcher, shared a clip of the broadcast on social media, highlighting Shakhnazarov’s praise for Trump’s actions and his belief that they would lead to the weakening of the United States. She noted that Shakhnazarov saw parallels between Trump’s policies and the final years of the USSR, suggesting that the U.S. president’s actions were inadvertently undermining the American system. Shakhnazarov described Trump’s efforts as a "noble endeavor" that would weaken the U.S., which he characterized as "our main adversary."

Implications for U.S.-Russia Relations

The broader implications of Shakhnazarov’s remarks lie in their reflection of a growing anti-American sentiment among Russian elites. While his comments may not represent the official position of the Kremlin, they contribute to a narrative that portrays the United States as a nation in decline, a theme that has been emphasized by Russian state media. This narrative serves to bolster domestic support for Putin’s policies, particularly his aggressive stance toward Ukraine, by framing Russia as a rising power in contrast to a weakened United States. The comments also underscore the complexities of the relationship between the two nations, as both leaders navigate a delicate balance of cooperation and competition.

What’s Next?

As tensions between the U.S. and Russia remain high, particularly over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Shakhnazarov’s remarks highlight the deepening divide between the two nations. Trump recently revealed that he and Putin had been in contact, although the details of their communication remain unclear. The Kremlin has neither confirmed nor denied reports of a recent phone call between the two leaders, and it remains uncertain whether a meeting between them will take place.-Russian state media continues to watch closely as the Trump administration’s stance on Ukraine evolves, with many analysts speculating about how the U.S. will approach efforts to bring an end to the war. In the meantime, figures like Shakhnazarov will likely continue to play a role in shaping public perception of the U.S. in Russia, as the two nations navigate this critical juncture in their relationship.