On paper, there was plenty in Donald Trump's comments to rile the Kremlin. The former president described Russia as a paper tiger that had been fighting aimlessly in Ukraine, sentiments that typically do not sit well in Moscow.
Trump's assertion suggesting that Ukraine could reclaim all the territory taken by Russia also raised eyebrows in the Russian capital. After a reporter asked Trump if NATO countries should shoot down Russian planes if they entered their airspace, he replied, Yes, I do, further intensifying the already delicate situation.
However, the Kremlin's initial response was surprisingly restrained. Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, brushed aside the paper tiger remark, suggesting Russia is more accurately described as a bear. He remarked, There is no such thing as a paper bear. And regarding Ukraine's territorial claims, he stated, The assertion that Ukraine can win back something by fighting is mistaken. This careful phrasing hints at an attempt to keep diplomatic channels open despite the provocative nature of Trump’s comments.
Peskov acknowledged Trump's political will for a peace settlement while emphasizing that Trump's views could be influenced. In the background, discussions are set to occur soon, with plans for Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to meet with his U.S. counterpart during the United Nations General Assembly.
Interestingly, Trump's criticism lacked direct threats of sanctions or ultimatums, which may have contributed to the Kremlin's relatively calm response. Furthermore, when asked about his trust in Putin, Trump indicated that he would offer his judgment in a month, an ambiguous timeline that the Kremlin likely finds manageable.
The Kremlin may have also noted the backdrop of economic troubles facing Russia, but without overt threats, it seems determined to continue its military endeavors in Ukraine regardless of Trump's remarks.
