The Russian Lobby in the United States

by Laurence Saint-Gilles

The Russian lobby in the United States is a diverse group of individuals who have penetrated American society and politics for years. It is a significant intermediary for Russia due to their position and reputation. The Russian lobby is crucial for the outcome of the war in Ukraine and is increasing pressure on the Democratic government to force the Ukrainian ally to accept a peace negotiated on Russian terms. The Russian lobby consists of several layers, including Russian intelligence officers, agents of influence, and moles. The Russian lobby has grown stronger in the House of Representatives since the mid-November elections, with the MAGA faction and the left-wing of the Democratic Party expressing opposition to aid to Ukraine. The “realist” criticism of American foreign policy finds a favorable echo among the old pacifists of 1968 and their heirs on the new American radical left. The Russian lobby’s iconoclastic character and lack of a clear political line make its message invasive and effective. The 2016 presidential election marked a series of scandals, including the involvement of Russian lawyer Kislyak, the dismissal of FBI Director James Comey, and the appointment of Robert Mueller as special attorney general. The Republican Party is undergoing a significant transformation in foreign policy due to Putin’s victory, which rejects multilateralism and traditional alliances. The Russiagate scandal has polarized American political life, with Moscow spending $182 million between 2016 and 2022 on influence operations and propaganda in the US.