The Kremlin appears particularly concerned following recent statements by Donald Trump, which included clear references to Vladimir Putin and an implicit ultimatum for achieving a peace agreement in Ukraine.
The US president, in an apparent shift in stance toward Russia, announced new military aid deliveries to Ukraine and warned that countries or entities that continue to purchase Russian products may face sanctions unless Moscow agrees to a ceasefire deal. “I’m disappointed with Putin, but I’m not done with him,” Trump declared, in a reversal that reveals a personal tone and increased pressure toward the Russian president.
Kremlin: “If and when Putin deems it necessary, there will be a response”
The Kremlin, through spokesman Dmitry Peskov, responded today (15/7) that Trump’s statements are “very serious” and contain “personal references to President Putin” that require careful analysis. “We will take the necessary time to evaluate what was said. If and when Putin deems it necessary, there will be a response,” Peskov stated.
Peskov continued, apparently referring to news of new weapons deliveries to Kyiv: “Decisions made in Washington, in NATO countries, and clearly in Brussels, are perceived by the Ukrainian side not as a signal for peace, but as a signal for (Kyiv) to continue the war.”
“Russia is ready to continue direct negotiations with Ukraine”
The Kremlin spokesman reiterated that Russia is ready to continue direct negotiations with Ukraine and continues to await a signal from Kyiv about when the next round of talks could take place.
For his part, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that Moscow is ready to negotiate following Trump’s threat to impose sanctions on buyers of Russian exports, but added that Russia does not accept ultimatums.
