Despite earlier signs of diplomatic outreach between Dmitry Peskov and officials in Russia and United States, the Kremlin now says recent efforts to improve relations with Donald Trump have produced little measurable progress. According to Moscow, attempts to reduce tensions between the two countries have stalled, particularly after Washington renewed support for Ukraine.
Speaking on RBC radio, Peskov said that while both sides have tried to address longstanding points of friction, practical results remain extremely limited. He described the pace of diplomatic movement as slow and emphasized that no meaningful breakthroughs have yet emerged. His remarks were later cited by multiple international agencies, including AFP, Reuters, and Agerpres.
The Kremlin spokesman suggested that expectations of a broader reset in relations have not materialized. In Moscow’s view, recent U.S. actions—especially renewed political and military backing for Kyiv—have complicated any possibility of rapid improvement. Although Trump had previously presented himself as a leader capable of easing tensions and pursuing negotiations, Russian officials now indicate that such efforts have not changed the broader strategic picture.
Peskov also pushed back against descriptions of Russia as vulnerable or pressured by international developments. Referring to familiar symbolism often used by Russian officials, he said the country should not be viewed as weak or symbolic, insisting instead that Russia remains powerful and capable of defending its long-term interests. He noted that Russia is frequently compared to a bear and stressed that, in his words, there are no “paper bears,” portraying the country as durable and prepared for prolonged confrontation.
At the same time, he defended the state of the Russian economy, acknowledging that certain sectors continue to experience strain but insisting the overall system remains stable. According to Peskov, economic pressure and sanctions have created difficulties, yet Russia continues to function without abandoning its strategic objectives.
Most significantly, he made clear that Moscow sees no alternative to continuing the military campaign launched in February 2022. He said Russia intends to proceed based on what it considers national interests, arguing that the operation is tied to both present security concerns and the country’s future. In his view, stopping now is not under consideration.
Peskov also claimed that Russian forces are advancing across multiple areas of the battlefield and that changes in the military situation are becoming increasingly visible. According to his remarks, Moscow believes momentum on the ground has shifted in ways that support its current course.
His comments reflect a broader Kremlin message: while diplomatic channels remain open, Russia currently sees military pressure—not negotiation—as the main path forward ⚠️🌍.
