Russian leadership claims President Donald Trump's threats to economically punish their country are unconcerning, but it is extending an invitation for "mutually respectful dialogue."
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the press on Thursday that Trump's promise to impose further tariffs and sanctions on Russia is nothing new.
"We do not see any particularly new elements here," Peskov said. "He likes these methods; at least, he liked them during his first presidency."
Trump announced via Truth Social on Wednesday that it is time to "MAKE A DEAL" to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine, suggesting an arrangement can be made "the easy way" or the "hard way."
“I’m going to do Russia, whose Economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big FAVOR,” Trump wrote. “Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE. If we don’t make a ‘deal,’ and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries.”
Russia is facing immense social, economic, and diplomatic crises following its 2022 invasion. What was expected to be an easy march on Kyiv turned into a sluggish, brutal conflict that has so far claimed the lives of approximately 150,000 Russian soldiers and isolated Russia from the West.
Peskov acknowledged Thursday that the Russian government is willing to pursue constructive negotiations on resolving the invasion of Ukraine if the talks are cordial.
"We carefully record all the nuances," Peskov said. "We remain ready for dialogue; President Putin has repeatedly spoken about this — for equal dialogue, for mutually respectful dialogue."
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has championed Trump as a mediator for ending the conflict, calling his inauguration a "day of change and also a day of hope for the resolution of many problems."
"President Trump is always decisive, and the peace through strength policy he announced provides an opportunity to strengthen American leadership and achieve a long-term and just peace, which is the top priority," the Ukrainian leader said on Monday.
Putin has been far less enthusiastic in his evaluation of the U.S. president, but acknowledged last year that “what was said about the desire to restore relations with Russia — to bring about the end of the Ukrainian crisis — in my opinion, this deserves attention at least."