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Afghan men watch a television broadcast of Donald Trump's victory speech at a restaurant in Kabul on November 6.
Afghan men watch a television broadcast of Donald Trump's victory speech at a restaurant in Kabul on November 6.

Trump Wins U.S. Presidency: Reactions From Our Region

Our teams bring you the latest updates, reactions, and insights into what the U.S. elections mean for our audiences. With Russia's war on Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and a decline in democratic values, the outcome of these elections will reverberate far beyond U.S. borders.

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Russians on the street, speaking to Reuters, say they don't believe the reelection of Donald Trump as U.S. president will change their lives, the economy, or the war in Ukraine:

Moscow Residents Don't Expect Change From Trump Election Win
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'Viktor Orban could be Trump's peace missionary'

An article from RFE/RL's Hungarian Service quotes foreign policy expert Botond Feledy as saying he believes it is easily possible that Donald Trump's first trip to Europe will lead to Budapest and that Viktor Orban will visit Moscow as his peace missionary on his planned new "peace mission."

Hungarian left-wing Szikra Mozgalom MP András Jámbor comments on the election result:

"This must be the end of identity politics in the Democratic Party. We in Europe must learn the same lesson: No one will vote left out of goodwill. They will not vote left because we say that we are not racist and homophobic and that we speak properly. That should be the basis of our policy, but it is not enough.

"They will vote here if we care about the people, their lives. Political identity cannot be a politician telling us from above what is right and wrong, but identity can only be that we are one and therefore we know together what is wrong and what is right. Fascism, as in this campaign, is not enough. We need an offer instead of fascism."

Kyrgyz lawmaker Janar Akaev of the Alliance party, speaking to RFE/RL:

"It’s unlikely that the core values in the United States will change significantly with a change in leadership. The system in the U.S. operates independently of any single individual. In Kyrgyzstan, one person can come to power and alter the system of governance or even change the constitution. But in the U.S., state institutions are designed to function independently, and fundamental values such as democracy, human rights, and freedom of speech will endure.

"Some citizens of Kyrgyzstan are concerned that following Trump's election, there may be stricter immigration policies, making it more difficult to obtain a visa. However, in my view, this won’t have a significant impact on those issues."

Valentina Matvienko, the chairwoman of Russia's upper house, the Federation Council:

"The numbers in the U.S. presidential election are convincing; this is a clear demonstration of protest against the current government's policies. There is not much to expect from Trump's return to power, but Russia is open to cooperation. Russia is ready to discuss global security issues."

Preobrazhensky: Putin And Trump Speak Convenient Language Of Deals And Interests

By Aleksei Alexandrov

While Donald Trump did not outline his specific policy about Russia, the Kremlin sees him as a convenient counterpart to Vladimir Putin for possible negotiations, Russian political analyst Ivan Preobrazhensky told Current Time, the Russian-language TV and digital network run by RFE/RL.

“Obviously, compared to Kamala Harris, many in the Russian high offices are rather happy about this: He suits them better as a more understandable guy. Trump himself said that Putin [and Chinese President Xi Jinping] know that he is crazy, and that is why they are afraid of him. In fact, Putin knows that he is pretty crazy -- about the same as Putin himself -- and therefore speaks to him in an understandable language of deals and interests,” says Preobrazhensky.

According to the political analyst, even if the confrontation between the U.S. and Russia will exacerbate, Putin and Trump will be able to de-escalate.

“There may be a stab in the back, a downing of a Russian fighter jet, and whatever else, and if we find ourselves on the brink of a nuclear war, they will at least speak an understandable language. How to talk to Kamala Harris and her entourage is completely incomprehensible to the Kremlin, because for them they are just aliens, people with completely different values, with completely different attitudes,” he says.

A listener of RFE/RL's Radio Farda calls in:

"I congratulate Mr. Trump from the bottom of my heart. I stayed up all night to see his victory. I hope the world wins...goodness prevails, and that we come to love each other. Let’s end the wars, stop killing people. [Iran Supreme Leader] Ali Khamenei is executing our people in droves -- this bloodthirsty criminal."

The president of Bulgaria:

Trump Wins The U.S. Presidency

BREAKING: Donald Trump has secured the needed 270 Electoral College votes to officially win the U.S. presidential election, beating Democratic challenger Kamala Harris.

Congratulations from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev:

"I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your re-election as President of the United States of America. Your decisive victory in the recent elections is a clear reflection of the trust and confidence that the American people place in your leadership and political vision.

"The Republic of Azerbaijan places great importance on the continued development of its relationship with the United States. During your first term in office, you demonstrated unwavering commitment to strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two nations. I am pleased to note that, under your leadership, our partnership has grown dynamically, based on mutual trust and shared interests. This collaboration has been particularly evident in our joint efforts to address global challenges, combat terrorism, promote international peace and security, and enhance Europe's energy security. I would also like to highlight your steadfast support for Azerbaijan’s energy strategy, which has been invaluable to our progress.

"Looking ahead, we are eager to further expand our cooperation in all areas—political, economic, security, energy, and the green and digital transitions. We are confident that your second term will present new opportunities for deepening our partnership, as we explore additional avenues for collaboration and mutual benefit.

"Azerbaijan remains committed to fostering peace and stability in the South Caucasus, and I am certain that our continued joint efforts will strengthen the friendship between our countries, advancing the national interests and security of both Azerbaijan and the United States."

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