The Kremlin on Thursday rejected US President Donald Trump’s latest remarks about Ukraine conflictsaying that it found nothing new in his statements.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov highlighted Moscow’s readiness for “mutually respectful” dialogue with Washington despite ongoing tensions.
“We don’t see any particular new elements,” Peskov said in response to Trump’s threats to impose further sanctions on Russia if it does not halt its nearly three-year offensive in Ukraine. Peskov underlined the Kremlin’s position and reiterated that Moscow remains open to a constructive dialogue with the new US administration.
Peskov said it was clear from Trump’s first presidency that he “loved” sanctions and that Moscow was “closely following” his statements.
“We remain ready for dialogue, for equal, mutually respectful dialogue,” Peskov said, as quoted by AFP.
President Trump’s remarks, made Wednesday via X, indicated a willingness to escalate economic pressure on Russia if President Vladimir Putin refuses to negotiate an end to the war. Trump said in a post: “I’m not looking to hurt Russia. I love the Russian people and have always had a very good relationship with President Putin … Having said that, I will make Russia, whose economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big favor. Settle now and stop this ridiculous war! It’s only going to get worse.”

Trump also hinted at a tough stance, warning of “high levels of taxes, tariffs and sanctions” on Russian goods if a peace deal is not reached soon. Calling for a quick resolution to the conflict, he said: “Let’s get this war, which would never have started if I were president, over! We can do it the easy way or the hard way – and the easy way is always better. It’s time to ‘make a deal’. No more lives!!!”
Earlier this week, Trump had directly called on Putin to negotiate peace, arguing that prolonging the war could have devastating consequences for Russia. “He should make a deal. I think he’s destroying Russia by not making a deal,” Trump said, adding, “I think Russia is going to be in big trouble.”
Trump also referenced discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, noting that Zelenskyy reportedly supports a peace deal. Reflecting on the protracted nature of the conflict since Russia’s February 2022 invasion, Trump commented: “Most people thought the war would be over in a week. I think (Putin) would be very well placed to end that war.”
Meanwhile, the violence on the ground showed no signs of abating. On Thursday, a Russian drone and missile strike hit the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, killing one person and wounding 25 others, according to rescue workers. Ukraine’s State Emergency Service released images of a destroyed building and a damaged fire engine highlighting the devastation caused by the strikes.