Russia has begun to set the tone in the international arena, while two years ago the West threatened Moscow with political isolation, The Times writes today.
Russia conducts its foreign policy in a very confident way. According to the author of the article, the G20 Summit in Hangzhou was a proof of that. On the sidelines of the event the Russian President Vladimir Putin held bilateral talks with the leaders of ten countries, including US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister Theresa May.
According to the Times, Moscow has regained trust of the international community after the beginning of air strikes on the positions of terrorists in Syria. Thus, Putin broke Pentagon's plans for US hegemony in the region. The Russian peacekeeping operation gives hope to end the Syrian conflict, which does not allow Washington to hinder Moscow’s actions, the publication says.
The peace talks between the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the US Secretary of State John Kerry has shown the growing influence of Russia. If Russia's efforts help to resolve the Syrian conflict, then, according to the Times, it will deliver a severe blow to Washington’s image.
The newspaper stresses that Moscow has been successfully establishing ties in several areas important for Washington. Joint naval exercises between Russia and China in the South China Sea are to take place next week. Russia also has been quickly restoring ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan against the background of Ankara drifting away from Washington.
Russia’s strategy is equally aimed at increasing domestic prestige, and strengthening its influence abroad, the author concludes.
