The Kremlin has yet to determine how to react to US President Donald Trump's sharp change in rhetoric regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. Former Russian President and Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev warned that the possibility of a direct conflict between the United States and Russia remains, even threatening Washington with nuclear war. Medvedev also mocked Trump, suggesting his social media statements should not be taken seriously, as the American president’s rhetoric can quickly shift.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov adopted a more cautious approach, highlighting good personal relations and trust between the US and Russian presidents. He reiterated Putin’s willingness to meet with Zelensky and noted that the locations proposed by Ukraine for peace talks are unacceptable to the Russian side.
The Kremlin appears to be waiting for a direct response from Putin on how to handle Trump’s statements, holding off until the American president shifts from words to concrete actions, such as increasing military aid to Ukraine or imposing new sanctions on Russia.
Analysts note that it is vital for Putin to remain a significant international player, and Trump’s rhetorical changes are unwelcome. For the Russian leadership, the main threat is not just increased Western support for Ukraine but the possibility that Trump could ignore Putin, undermining his status as an important global leader. No concrete changes in US policy have yet been confirmed.
