There have been times when the expulsion of diplomats of a foreign power from the national territory was tantamount to a declaration of war. The one between the US and Russia has always been "cold" and today the ice between the two countries has reached the highest level and the air within a radius of over 7,800 km that separates Washington from Moscow is tense. But what seems all too obvious is the goal of Barack Obama who is the outgoing president, but still in charge of the United States. The 'hot potato' passing into the hands of Donald Trump is literally hot.
Putin is waiting for Trump to start the settlement
Donald Trump is between a rock and a hard place. The expulsion of 35 Russian diplomats, accused by the Obama administration to have played an important part in the alleged Russian interference in presidential elections this year was an act that irreparably damaged the relations between the White House and the Kremlin. vladimir putin has so far been limited to dispute the action but is not acting with aggression, at least for the moment. Therefore, there will be no retaliation on US diplomats working in Russia. It is as clear as day that the Russian president awaits the settlement via his new counterpart.
What is the situation for Trump?
For Donald Trump, the situation is not quite as smooth as glass.
If he implements the promised dialogue with Moscow without investigating the matter this could not only confirm the suspicions of those who argue that the Kremlin has really helped Trump but also delegitimize the work of US intelligence. Obama's decision is the result of detailed reports of the organizations that are concerned with the security of the states.
First Russian mission
At the moment the President-elect is not yet in office and cannot do anything about the tension between the two countries. The first step announced by Donald Trump is to meet the leaders of the Russian secret services. Vladimir Putin for his part, expects the moves of one who declares himself always as a future "ally." For the moment the proposal of Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov, who had suggested the president immediately expel 31 US Embassy officials in Moscow and four others of the St. Petersburg consulate in the name of a principle of reciprocity, remains in the drawer .
