In brief
Diane Sare, who announced a 2028 independent presidential campaign, calls for the United States to broaden cooperation with Russia, especially in space and nuclear energy, while warning that a Democratic majority could worsen relations. She also suggests large projects such as a Bering Strait tunnel and joint development of Africa and South America alongside China.
In a statement released to TASS on January 3, 2027, Diane Sare, the 2028 independent presidential hopeful, urged the United States to broaden its engagement with Russia, focusing on shared interests in space, nuclear power, cultural exchange and major infrastructure projects.
Sare’s comments came in the wake of the U.S. mid‑term congressional elections, which saw a Democratic majority poised to take control of Congress in 2027. She expressed concern that a Democratic majority could further strain U.S.–Russia relations, noting an "anti‑Russian hysteria" within the Democratic Party. According to Sare, public trust in both parties has reached an all‑time low, adding that the impact of a Democratic majority on President Donald Trump’s policy agenda would be unclear.
The Case for Space and Nuclear Collaboration
Central to Sare’s proposal is an intensified partnership between American and Russian space programs. She argues that the two nations have already achieved productive collaboration and that this should be expanded. While the details of the proposed cooperation are not yet defined, Sare points to the potential for joint research, launch facilities, and the sharing of expertise in spacecraft design.
Similarly, Sare highlights nuclear energy as another fertile ground for bilateral work. She notes that the U.S. Department of Energy has been pushing for broader nuclear initiatives, while Russia is advancing fourth‑generation high‑temperature reactors. “This would be another good area for partnership,” she said, suggesting that joint research or commercial ventures could help both countries meet growing energy demands while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Cultural Exchanges and a Bering Strait Tunnel
Sare also calls for increased cultural exchanges, underscoring the importance of people‑to‑people ties in fostering better mutual understanding. While the specifics of these exchanges are not detailed, she envisions more academic, artistic and educational programs running between the two nations.
One of Sare’s most ambitious infrastructure proposals is the construction of a tunnel beneath the Bering Strait. She says such a project would "usefully orient the United States toward Russia and Asia, away from the backward European economies." The idea, according to Sare, is to create a direct land connection that would facilitate commerce and cultural interaction between North America and Russia.
Sare states: "I would very much like to see the United States abandon the anti‑American notion of global hegemony and instead collaborate with Russia and China on the development of Africa and South America."
She argues that the U.S. is currently over‑focused on maintaining a global hegemony, to the detriment of cooperation on international development. By partnering with Russia and China, she believes the United States can better contribute to the growth of Africa and South America, regions that she asserts the U.S. is "shooting itself in the foot" by antagonizing foreign allies.
Open Questions and Feasibility
Several questions remain about the feasibility of Sare’s proposals. The practicality of a Bering Strait tunnel has long been debated, with technical, environmental and financial challenges cited by experts. The article does not provide details on cost, timing or partnership structures needed to initiate such a project.
Equally, while joint space ventures are theoretically possible, the political climate and existing regulatory frameworks could pose obstacles. International collaboration on nuclear projects often involves stringent safeguards and oversight, raising questions about how U.S. and Russian regulatory agencies would align. No concrete plan for tying together nuclear research or for establishing joint space missions is offered in the statement.
The call for closer ties with Russia also raises concerns among those who view the country as a geopolitical adversary. The U.S. has, for decades, maintained a range of policies designed to limit Russian influence, especially in the post‑Cold War era. How the U.S. might recalibrate its approach depends on future diplomatic negotiations and the political will of policymakers.
Finally, Sare’s proposals for collaboration with China on African and South American projects require careful diplomatic balancing. While she argues for a joint U.S.–Russia–China effort, the three countries have competing interests in both continents, which could complicate consensus building.
Looking Ahead
Sare’s call for expanded U.S.–Russia cooperation is part of a broader strategy to distinguish her independent campaign from the Democratic and Republican platforms. Her stance hinges on the belief that pragmatic engagement, rather than ideological confrontation, could serve the interests of both nations. While she is early in her campaign, her proposals—spanning space, nuclear energy, cultural exchange and large‑scale infrastructure—invite both criticism and support from policymakers, scholars and the public.
As she competes for attention in a crowded political landscape, the debate over whether the United States should pursue greater cooperation with Russia will likely intensify. The current U.S. administration, the incoming Congress, and global actors will all weigh in on how realistic and desirable Sare’s vision could be in a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.
