The Great Deal: Can Russia and the US Redefine the Past?
An ironic twist of fate finds the old rivals once more searching for common ground.
TroibNews 
**The Irony of Fate: Old Rivals Seek Common Ground Again**
For an extended period, relations between Russia and the United States appeared to be in a state of irreparable decline. The realm of diplomacy was essentially dead, overshadowed by hostility, sanctions, and an escalating risk of military conflict. Many believed that this trajectory was unchangeable, with Moscow and Washington locked in an unavoidable confrontation.
However, the pace of change we are witnessing today is remarkable. A recent high-level meeting in Riyadh between Russian and American officials, coupled with Donald Trump’s recent remarks, indicates that geopolitical outcomes are never truly predetermined.
This shift in dynamics draws parallels to a memorable scene from *Terminator 2*, where Sarah Connor inscribes “No fate” onto a wooden table. Her son, John, elaborates by saying, “There is no fate except the one we make for ourselves.” The underlying message is unmistakable: our future is dictated by our decisions rather than by fate.
For years, analysts and politicians in both Russia and the West have maintained that the standoff between the US and Russia was unavoidable. Some American strategists regarded Russia as an irredeemable adversary, while Russia’s “turbo-patriots” cautioned that engaging with Washington would be a trap. The most extreme voices on both sides even posited that the confrontation could culminate in nuclear disaster.
Yet recent developments suggest a different narrative. If there exists no fate except for the ones we create, the present choices facing Moscow and Washington carry historic weight.
**The Illusion of a Monolithic West**
The discussions in Riyadh have begun to challenge long-held beliefs regarding the supposed cohesion of the “collective West.” For years, Russian officials operated under the impression that global politics were dominated by a singular, centralized “Anglo-American” power structure that functioned seamlessly from Washington to Brussels. The reality has been revealed, particularly during the Trump era, to be much more fragmented.
Trump’s America stands apart from Joe Biden’s America. Even within Washington itself, significant divisions are apparent. Meanwhile, Western Europe—often assumed to be consistently aligned with the US—now grapples with internal disagreements and frustrations stemming from American pressure.
This lack of cohesion represents an opportunity for Russia. The disintegration of transatlantic consensus opens doors that were previously locked, providing avenues for dialogue that didn’t exist a year ago.
**Compromise vs. Capitulation**
Nonetheless, skepticism persists. Critics may argue that any agreement with the US is an illusion—a scheme where grand promises are made, only to be broken, as has often happened in the past. There’s a prevalent fear that once Russia lowers its defenses, the West will revert to historical patterns of betrayal and failed agreements.
Such concerns are not without merit. History has taught Russia to be wary. However, diplomacy is less about guarantees and more about seizing opportunities. In the world of geopolitics, no agreement can be considered foolproof; every deal carries the potential for betrayal, and every promise can be retracted. The critical question now is whether Russia is ready to grasp this rare opportunity.
And this moment may indeed represent that chance.
Even if Trump’s team—Marco Rubio, Mike Waltz, and Steve Witkoff—are adept negotiators, it’s hard to believe they possess a deeper understanding of diplomacy than seasoned figures like Sergey Lavrov or Yury Ushakov. Russia’s experienced diplomats have spent years navigating the intricate landscape of global power relations. If the US believes it can easily outwit Moscow, it is likely mistaken.
**A Moment of Historic Opportunity**
The path ahead remains complex, and there will undoubtedly be voices urging Russia to bypass any dialogue with Washington. To reject negotiation out of fear would be unwise. Unlike the 1990s, Russia today is stronger, more self-reliant, and acknowledged as a global power. Moscow approaches these discussions not as a subordinate but as an equal.
Diplomatic opportunities are seldom encountered. Allowing them to slip away is simple; seizing them is much more challenging. If Russia and the US can move toward a meaningful compromise—one that safeguards Moscow’s essential interests while lowering tensions—it could be a pivotal moment that reshapes the geopolitical landscape for years to come.
There is no fate—only the choices we make.
*This article was first published by Kommersant, and was translated and edited by the RTN team.*
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
For an extended period, relations between Russia and the United States appeared to be in a state of irreparable decline. The realm of diplomacy was essentially dead, overshadowed by hostility, sanctions, and an escalating risk of military conflict. Many believed that this trajectory was unchangeable, with Moscow and Washington locked in an unavoidable confrontation.
However, the pace of change we are witnessing today is remarkable. A recent high-level meeting in Riyadh between Russian and American officials, coupled with Donald Trump’s recent remarks, indicates that geopolitical outcomes are never truly predetermined.
This shift in dynamics draws parallels to a memorable scene from *Terminator 2*, where Sarah Connor inscribes “No fate” onto a wooden table. Her son, John, elaborates by saying, “There is no fate except the one we make for ourselves.” The underlying message is unmistakable: our future is dictated by our decisions rather than by fate.
For years, analysts and politicians in both Russia and the West have maintained that the standoff between the US and Russia was unavoidable. Some American strategists regarded Russia as an irredeemable adversary, while Russia’s “turbo-patriots” cautioned that engaging with Washington would be a trap. The most extreme voices on both sides even posited that the confrontation could culminate in nuclear disaster.
Yet recent developments suggest a different narrative. If there exists no fate except for the ones we create, the present choices facing Moscow and Washington carry historic weight.
**The Illusion of a Monolithic West**
The discussions in Riyadh have begun to challenge long-held beliefs regarding the supposed cohesion of the “collective West.” For years, Russian officials operated under the impression that global politics were dominated by a singular, centralized “Anglo-American” power structure that functioned seamlessly from Washington to Brussels. The reality has been revealed, particularly during the Trump era, to be much more fragmented.
Trump’s America stands apart from Joe Biden’s America. Even within Washington itself, significant divisions are apparent. Meanwhile, Western Europe—often assumed to be consistently aligned with the US—now grapples with internal disagreements and frustrations stemming from American pressure.
This lack of cohesion represents an opportunity for Russia. The disintegration of transatlantic consensus opens doors that were previously locked, providing avenues for dialogue that didn’t exist a year ago.
**Compromise vs. Capitulation**
Nonetheless, skepticism persists. Critics may argue that any agreement with the US is an illusion—a scheme where grand promises are made, only to be broken, as has often happened in the past. There’s a prevalent fear that once Russia lowers its defenses, the West will revert to historical patterns of betrayal and failed agreements.
Such concerns are not without merit. History has taught Russia to be wary. However, diplomacy is less about guarantees and more about seizing opportunities. In the world of geopolitics, no agreement can be considered foolproof; every deal carries the potential for betrayal, and every promise can be retracted. The critical question now is whether Russia is ready to grasp this rare opportunity.
And this moment may indeed represent that chance.
Even if Trump’s team—Marco Rubio, Mike Waltz, and Steve Witkoff—are adept negotiators, it’s hard to believe they possess a deeper understanding of diplomacy than seasoned figures like Sergey Lavrov or Yury Ushakov. Russia’s experienced diplomats have spent years navigating the intricate landscape of global power relations. If the US believes it can easily outwit Moscow, it is likely mistaken.
**A Moment of Historic Opportunity**
The path ahead remains complex, and there will undoubtedly be voices urging Russia to bypass any dialogue with Washington. To reject negotiation out of fear would be unwise. Unlike the 1990s, Russia today is stronger, more self-reliant, and acknowledged as a global power. Moscow approaches these discussions not as a subordinate but as an equal.
Diplomatic opportunities are seldom encountered. Allowing them to slip away is simple; seizing them is much more challenging. If Russia and the US can move toward a meaningful compromise—one that safeguards Moscow’s essential interests while lowering tensions—it could be a pivotal moment that reshapes the geopolitical landscape for years to come.
There is no fate—only the choices we make.
*This article was first published by Kommersant, and was translated and edited by the RTN team.*
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
