On Monday, Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that recent efforts to improve relations between Russia and United States have produced almost no meaningful results, despite early diplomatic signals that followed initiatives associated with Donald Trump. Speaking publicly, the Kremlin spokesperson said that while both sides have attempted to reduce tensions, progress remains limited and insufficient.
According to Peskov, the main obstacle has been the lack of concrete outcomes in bilateral discussions, particularly after Washington renewed strong political and military backing for Ukraine. He argued that Moscow sees little change in the broader strategic picture and therefore does not view diplomacy as currently capable of replacing military action.
“Attempts are being made in our Russian-American relations to eliminate irritants, but progress is slow, and the results are practically zero,” Peskov said during an interview on RBC radio. His remarks were later carried by several international agencies, including AFP and Reuters.
Responding to recent comments from Trump, Peskov rejected comparisons that he believed misrepresented Russia’s posture. He said Vladimir Putin values efforts aimed at finding a political settlement, but insisted that Moscow does not consider itself weak or symbolic in the conflict.
“Russia is not a tiger,” Peskov said. “Most often, our country is compared to a bear. There are no paper bears—Russia is a real bear.” The statement, reported by TASS, appeared intended to underline the Kremlin’s message that Russia remains determined and capable of sustaining its current course.
Peskov also sought to reassure domestic audiences about the state of the Russian economy. While admitting that certain sectors are under pressure and facing growing tension, he maintained that the country’s broader economic structure remains stable enough to endure prolonged confrontation and sanctions.
At the center of his remarks was Moscow’s insistence that it cannot step away from what Russian authorities continue to call the “special military operation,” launched in February 2022. Peskov said the campaign remains tied to what the Kremlin describes as long-term national interests and security goals.
“We continue to act in the interests of the country, for the sake of the present and future of our citizens. We have no other option,” he said.
He also claimed that Russian forces are continuing to advance across multiple sectors of the front, adding that battlefield developments have changed noticeably in recent months. According to the Kremlin, those shifts reinforce Moscow’s belief that its military strategy remains necessary despite diplomatic stagnation. ⚠️🌍
