Russian President’s Spokesman, Dmitri Peskow, has stated that the Kremlin does not see anything new in the threats made by US President Donald Trump, who has threatened to impose new sanctions on Moscow if a deal on Ukraine is not reached. Peskow’s exact words were: “We see no particularly new elements. You know that Trump was the US President who most frequently resorted to sanctions methods. He likes these methods, at least, he did during his first term.”
Peskow added that Moscow is closely monitoring the entire rhetoric and all statements, and is carefully noting all nuances. At the same time, the Kremlin’s spokesman emphasized that Russia remains ready for a “mutually respectful and equal dialogue” with the United States: “This dialogue was conducted by the two presidents during Trump’s first term. We are waiting for the signals that we have not yet received.”
On January 22, the Republican had threatened to impose high tariffs and sanctions on Russia if the country does not agree to a deal on Ukraine. Trump claimed that the Ukraine conflict could be “ended in a simple or difficult way.” He also assured that he would not “harm” Russia, stating that he loves the Russian people and has always had good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump took office as US President on January 20, after winning the election in November. During the campaign, he repeatedly expressed his intention to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. According to him, the fighting could be over in six months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wants peace, “but there are always two sides to it” Trump said. Russia, for its part, has repeatedly confirmed its willingness to engage in Ukraine negotiations.