The Kremlin affirmed its commitment to the ongoing military campaign in Ukraine and dismissed claims by US President Donald Trump suggesting that Ukraine could reclaim territory seized by Russian forces. Moscow rebutted Trump’s characterization of Russia as a “paper tiger” and refuted his optimism about Ukraine’s ability to recapture lost land.
Trump’s comments, made following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the United Nations, marked a significant shift in his approach to the conflict, which he had previously claimed he could resolve swiftly. However, Trump has recently expressed growing frustration with Russian President Putin for persisting with the offensive.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s commitment to its military operation in Ukraine, emphasizing the necessity of achieving Putin’s objectives for the country’s future. Russia initiated the full-scale offensive in February 2022, aiming to seize Kyiv and oust Zelensky, leading to widespread devastation and displacement.
Trump’s remarks on social media about the war reflected a revised understanding of the military and economic dynamics between Ukraine and Russia. He suggested that Russia was facing economic challenges and portrayed the country’s military as ineffective and directionless after years of conflict.
In response, Russia dismissed Trump’s assertions, rejecting the idea that Ukraine could successfully reclaim lost territory and disputing the characterization of Russia as economically weak. Peskov contended that Russia’s economic strength and military capabilities were more akin to a formidable bear than a mere “paper tiger.”
Ukrainian President Zelensky welcomed Trump’s apparent shift in stance, viewing it as a significant development. However, the outcome of this change in rhetoric remains uncertain, particularly regarding the potential for increased sanctions against Russia by the US.