The Kremlin has issued a cold response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest threats against Russia, with officials suggesting his remarks only encourage Ukraine to continue the war. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Washington’s actions would be seen by Kyiv as a green light to prolong the conflict rather than a step toward peace.

Speaking after Trump’s Oval Office announcement of new weapons for Ukraine and threatened secondary tariffs on Russian exports, Peskov remarked, “We certainly need time to analyse what was said in Washington,” but added that Russia already sees the signals being sent to Ukraine.

Moscow Officials Brush Off U.S. Threats

Other senior Russian officials were less diplomatic. Former President Dmitry Medvedev dismissed Trump’s stance as a “theatrical ultimatum,” while Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said ultimatums to Moscow were “unacceptable and pointless.”

Trump, who claims he wants to be remembered as a “peacemaker,” voiced frustration over Putin’s continued attacks on Ukraine despite past talks, saying he was "disappointed" by Putin. Reports indicate Trump even asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy whether Kyiv could strike Moscow if given long-range U.S. weapons.

Russia Unmoved by Sanctions Threat

Trump’s latest threats include 100% tariffs on Russian goods and secondary sanctions targeting nations buying Russian oil, such as China and India. However, Russian officials, citing the country's resilience under previous sanctions, dismissed the likelihood of such measures changing the Kremlin’s strategy.

Russian media and officials underscored that Putin remains open to peace talks but only on Russia’s terms. State television continued highlighting Russian military advances in Ukraine and drone attacks by Kyiv on Russian territory.