Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
Kremlin Downplays Tensions Following Trump’s Criticism of Putin
Moscow has stated it is still “engaged in dialogue with Washington” after former President Donald Trump expressed “anger” and “displeasure” towards Russian President Vladimir Putin. This statement comes as US-Russia relations remain under scrutiny amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning the conflict in Ukraine.
Kremlin’s Response to Trump’s Remarks
In its initial reaction to Trump’s censure of the Russian leader, the Kremlin sought to minimize the apparent strain between the two figures. Dmitry Peskov, the presidential spokesperson, affirmed, “We are continuing to collaborate with the US side, primarily on the development of our bilateral relations.”
Peskov indicated that there are currently no scheduled phone conversations between Putin and Trump this week. However, he added that President Putin remains receptive to a call “if deemed necessary.”
Trump’s Shift in Tone and Stance on Ukraine
This conciliatory gesture from Russia follows Trump’s interview with NBC News on Sunday, where he conveyed his frustration with Putin for allegedly undermining the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump also threatened to impose a significant 50% tariff on countries purchasing Russian oil if Putin did not consent to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
These remarks signify a notable alteration in Trump’s public approach toward the Russian president, especially given his past rhetoric.
US and Russian officials have been in discussions for several weeks in an attempt to broker an accord to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. During these periods, Trump’s public statements have often targeted criticism at Zelensky, while being comparatively less critical of Putin.
Trigger for Trump’s Displeasure
Trump’s reported anger towards Putin was reportedly ignited by the Russian president’s recent suggestion on Friday. Putin raised the possibility of an interim governing body in Ukraine, potentially under the aegis of the United Nations, which could supplant President Zelensky.
According to NBC News, Trump stated, “You could say that I was very angry, displeased, when Putin started questioning Zelensky’s credibility, because that is counterproductive.”
He further elaborated, “New leadership implies that reaching a resolution will be significantly delayed.”
Kremlin’s Interpretation and Russian Media Reaction
During his daily press briefing with reporters on Monday, Peskov asserted that some of the statements made in the NBC interview were “reinterpreted.”
Trump’s pronouncements have resonated within segments of the Russian media landscape.
Russian Media’s Rare Criticism of Trump
Moskovsky Komsomolets, a pro-Kremlin Russian newspaper, articulated an atypical critique of the former US president. The publication suggested that Trump was failing to fulfill his “commitments” to prevent Ukraine from targeting Russian energy infrastructure.
The newspaper concluded with a skeptical assessment of Trump’s pledges, asserting, “All agreements at the level of President Trump are essentially worthless,” while also indicating that “Moscow remains prepared to negotiate a deal with the US president.”