June 12, 2025, will go down in history as the day when bureaucratic inertia won out over moral compass. The US State Department, under the leadership of the new administration, sent official wishes to the Russian Federation on Russia Day. At a time when a bloody war is raging beyond our eastern border and the Russian regime is isolated by the civilized world, this gesture cannot be treated merely as a matter of courtesy. It is a political mistake that sounds like a grim joke in Kyiv and the capitals of NATO’s eastern flank, and like a signal of approval in the Kremlin.
A situation in which the most important ally of the free world congratulates a terrorist state is more than a “minor mistake.” It is a demonstration of a dangerous trend in American foreign policy, where, under the banners of ‘realism’ and “a new beginning,” the fundamental distinction between victim and aggressor is lost. America, under the rule of Donald Trump’s politicians, seems to have forgotten that diplomatic protocol is not a value in itself, but a political tool. Using it at this point legitimizes a regime that the State Department itself should be fighting with sanctions, not showering with congratulatory messages.
Fuel for the machinery of lies
One must be aware of how this gesture resonates in the information space. For Vladimir Putin, the wishes from Washington are a priceless gift. Russian propaganda will not fail to use this fact to build a narrative of “normalization” of relations. In the Russian media, this will not be presented as a routine administrative act, but as proof that the West is tired of war and ready to return to business.
This is a slap in the face for Euro-Atlantic allies. For years, a united front of isolation against Moscow has been built, convincing the world that cordial relations cannot be maintained with a country that violates the United Nations Charter. One unfortunate dispatch from Washington undermines these efforts more effectively than Russian trolls. It shows a crack in the Western armor, which Moscow will immediately exploit to drive a wedge between the US and Europe.
Where is the line of “respect”?
In this situation, the question arises as to the reaction of the US’s partners. Will there be a country that dares to point out to American decision-makers – Trump, Rubio, and others – that respect for the sovereign policy of the United States does not mean acceptance of the worship of Putin’s regime? Such a diplomatic note, pointing out the inappropriateness of these actions towards allies bearing the costs of Russian aggression, would be an act of courage and necessary assertiveness.
Unfortunately, in the world of real politics, courage is in short supply. It can be assumed that most capitals will remain silent about this incident, fearing to irritate the new occupant of the White House. However, this silence is a consent to shifting the boundaries of what is acceptable in relations with the aggressor.
The acrobatics of Polish apologists
The attitude of part of the Polish political scene deserves special attention here. Circles that are uncritically enamored with the new US administration face a real challenge. How to reconcile anti-Russian rhetoric with the defense of an ally who bows to Moscow?
As experience teaches us, the mechanisms of repression will work efficiently. Polish Trump supporters will most likely remain silent about this shameful pandering to Moscow, or find breakneck excuses for it. We will hear about “higher necessity,” about “the game of superpowers,” about it being just a “formality.” This is a dangerous path. If the Polish political class accepts this style of diplomacy, next year some of our politicians may be the first in line to offer their congratulations to the Kremlin, just so as not to deviate from the Washington model.
The logic of a slippery slope
If we consider that sending greetings on Russia Day – during a genocidal war – is acceptable, we are opening Pandora’s box. The logic of a “business approach” to diplomacy, devoid of moral backbone, leads astray. Following this line of thinking, supporters of “dealing” with Putin may soon be sending greetings on the anniversary of the October Revolution, Stalin’s birthday, or any other date symbolizing Russian imperialism.
Ultimately, in a new world order where only power and spheres of influence matter, one can even imagine a discussion about giving Alaska to “Mother Russia,” as Russian nationalists have been demanding for years. It sounds absurd, but not so long ago it seemed absurd that the US State Department would send warm words to a country that threatens the world with nuclear war.
June 12, 2025, is a date that should serve as a warning. Diplomacy devoid of values becomes nothing more than a cynical game in which those who have no scruples ultimately win. It is a shame that this lesson is coming from Washington today.
Screenshot from the US State Department website
PB
