THE KREMLIN adopted a measured stance on Wednesday after Donald Trump claimed victory in the U.S. presidential election, casting doubt on whether his campaign promises to end the Ukraine conflict would materialize in policy. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia still perceives the U.S. as a hostile state, directly and indirectly entangled in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s invasion in 2022.

Trump, reportedly poised for the presidency following a Fox News projection of his win over Democrat Kamala Harris, campaigned on swiftly ending the Ukraine war. However, Peskov stated that only time will show if Trump’s words carry substance. “The U.S. remains an unfriendly nation, heavily involved in efforts against our state,” he told reporters, adding that President Vladimir Putin has no immediate plans to congratulate Trump on his projected victory.

While Peskov acknowledged a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump, he tempered expectations given the historically strained U.S.-Russia relations. “The U.S. could contribute to ending this conflict, but a change in policy trajectory will not happen overnight. Whether Trump will alter course once in office remains uncertain,” he commented.

Despite Moscow’s claims of neutrality regarding the U.S. election outcome, Kremlin-backed media has hinted at a preference for Trump. Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, expressed optimism, suggesting that a Trump presidency could “reset” U.S.-Russia relations, recalling previous unsuccessful diplomatic efforts.

The war in Ukraine has drawn Russia and the West into the most severe standoff since the Cold War. Russian forces currently hold around 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, annexed in 2014, and substantial areas in Donbas and Zaporizhzhia. Trump has vowed to bring the conflict to an end but has yet to clarify his strategy. Russian officials, including former President Dmitry Medvedev, speculate that Trump’s business-oriented approach might reduce U.S. support for Ukraine. “Trump, as a businessman, dislikes wasteful spending, which may lead him to push back against further resource allocation to Ukraine,” Medvedev posted on Telegram.

While Putin has previously indicated openness to peace talks—contingent on recognition of Russia’s territorial claims, a stance firmly rejected by Ukraine—the Kremlin is cautiously observing Trump’s return to the White House. Moscow remains alert to potential policy shifts, hopeful for a diplomatic opportunity but aware that substantial changes may be slow in coming.

NEARLY £0.6m in grants has been awarded to 10 Pembrokeshire groups using money from the second homes council tax premium after it received the backing of senior councillors today, November 4.

At the November 4 meeting of the county council’s Cabinet, members considered ten applications for funding through the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Large Grant Applications.

In order to be considered for funding, applications are points-based, with one, Haverfordwest Tennis Club just missing out on the 20 points criteria by one point.

The Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant, launched in 2018 supports local communities; funded via a portion of the charges raised through the second homes premium.

To date, Pembrokeshire County Council has awarded £4,482,374 to 272 projects attracting match funding of £4,948,984, investing a total of £9,431,358 into Pembrokeshire communities. 

In July 2023, Cabinet agreed an officer led grant panel determine the outcome of applications below £15,000; those up to £100,000 coming to Cabinet. 

The internal grant panel considered 10 applications, one criticised for arriving slightly late, of which nine met the grant criteria and required scoring threshold of 20 or above.

A report for members said there was an underspend last year of £274,326 rolled into this financial year’s allocation of £400,000; the nine projects for a total value of £766,434 requesting grant support of £560,032.31. 

Fishguard and Goodwick Young Persons Project requested £77,106 for a £96,383 project to help young people aged 11-25 to raise self-esteem and improve their employability skills through activities/lifelong learning.

Arts Care Gofal Care Development requested £56,695 for a £70,868 project for an inclusive dance and performance programme for adults and children with learning disabilities.

Garth Youth and Community Project  ‘You Matter’ wanted £73,069.60 for a £91,337 project enhancing peoples overall mental and physical wellbeing through sporting/games/food activities.

Transport group PACTO – whose application had arrived slightly late – wanted £39,991 for a £50,535 project to meet Welsh Government zero emission transport targets by 2035 by purchasing and managing a ‘Green Bus’ for Bloomfield Community Centre, Narberth; the centrepiece of a net-zero project in Pembrokeshire, promoting sustainable, accessible transport for those with mobility challenges and those with other barriers to conventional transport.

Acts West Wales Cilrath Acre sought £46,992 of £62,092 for a community growing project, which offers volunteer and learning opportunities, giving people the chance to grow food, learn new skills and meet others.

Fishguard Sea Cadets sought £50,000 of £70,000 to secure the land that adjoins its unit to provide safer, more organised outdoor training, and a secure storage area.

Pembroke Dock Cricket Club asked for £58,400 of £73,000 for new changing rooms, the current becoming beyond repair, and lacking adequate inclusive access.

PLANED Pembrokeshire Local Food Partnership (PLFP), a partnership between PLANED, PAVS and Pembrokeshire County Council that brings together producers/growers, organisations and communities, creating an active, sustainable food system for Pembrokeshire sought £57,779.17 for a £72,224 project.

The largest amount was from Kilgetty Begelly Community Council, asking £100,000 towards a £179,995 scheme to create a new play park to enhance the village and increase accessibility to the wider communities including the Kingsmoor Common Gypsy Traveller site.

One proposal, which failed the criteria by just one point, was Haverfordwest Tennis Club, seeking £31,208 in funding for a £39,207.72 scheme for floodlights and wheelchair access.

That proposal is currently subject to an ongoing planning application and the scheme would only benefit club members, the report says.

Following a plea by Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller, members agreed to include the tennis club application, subject to it gaining planning permission, and the applicants including a Welsh language policy.

Members backed all ten projects receive funding, for a total of just over £590,240.

Second homes in Pembrokeshire currently pay a 200 per cent council tax premium, which will be reduced to 150 per cent from the next financial year.

FOR the first time, the UK government will appoint a Crown Estate Commissioner dedicated to advising on matters in Wales, further integrating Welsh interests in board-level decisions. This move supports existing efforts to ensure that Wales benefits from the push for clean energy, following an agreement facilitated by the Welsh Secretary.

An amendment to the Crown Estate Bill, with cross-party backing from Labour, Plaid Cymru, Liberal Democrats, and crossbenchers, will be accepted at today’s Lords Report Stage (Nov 5). This change mandates the appointment of a Wales-specific Commissioner through the Public Appointments process, with input from the Welsh Government. The appointee will bear “an additional responsibility” to represent Welsh conditions and interests, amplifying Wales’s voice within the Crown Estate.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens has collaborated with the Treasury, The Crown Estate, House of Lords members, and the Welsh Government to secure this legislative advancement. The Crown Estate, instrumental in drawing international investment to Wales, supports projects like Floating Offshore Wind in the Celtic Sea, which promises cleaner energy and job creation.

The introduction of a Wales-specific Commissioner strengthens The Crown Estate’s mission to serve the entire UK while averting potential market fragmentation and protecting international investor confidence critical to the net-zero transition.

In a related effort, Great British Energy, the government’s new public energy firm, recently partnered with The Crown Estate to expedite renewable energy advancements. This initiative could attract up to £60bn in private investment, boosting the UK’s journey toward energy independence.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens stated: “This is a landmark step toward ensuring that Welsh prosperity is at the heart of the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower. Our nation stands to benefit hugely from investment in floating offshore wind, and we now have the representation we need to help seize that moment. This demonstrates how Wales benefits directly from its two governments working together, and I’m grateful to Lord Livermore, The Crown Estate, and others for helping to make this happen.”

Sir Robin Budenberg CBE, Chair of The Crown Estate, said: “In seeking to increase the number of Commissioners from eight to twelve, The Crown Estate welcomes the opportunity now presented by this amendment to bring even more direct knowledge and understanding of the areas in which we operate and further strengthen our ability to deliver benefit to the whole of the UK.”