"Russia is not a tiger, but is often compared to a bear. Of course, there is no such thing as a 'paper bear', and Russia is a real bear," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with RBK today, when asked to comment on former US President Donald Trump's recent statements.
In a social media post on 23/9/2023, former President Trump unexpectedly shifted his stance on the war in Ukraine, suggesting that Kyiv could reclaim all its territory and stating that Moscow is facing significant economic challenges. Trump also said that Russia has been "fighting aimlessly" for over three years and has now become a "paper tiger" instead of a formidable nuclear power.
Peskov refuted the former US leader's statements, asserting that the Russian military is still advancing in its campaign in Ukraine.
 |
The Kremlin spokesperson speaks in Saint Petersburg in 7/2023. Photo: Reuters |
The Kremlin spokesperson speaks in Saint Petersburg in 7/2023. Photo: Reuters
"Developments on the front lines clearly show that Moscow is maintaining the advantage. We are continuing the special military operation to ensure national interests and achieve the objectives set by President Vladimir Putin. We are doing this for the present and future of the country, for future generations. There is no other solution," the Russian official stated.
The Kremlin spokesperson also affirmed that the Russian economy has adapted to the wartime situation, maintaining stability and ensuring adequate supplies for the military. However, he acknowledged that some problems persist due to the pressure from unprecedented Western sanctions.
Peskov described former President Trump as "a businessman trying to persuade the world to buy American oil and gas at higher prices than supplies from Russia". He emphasized that President Putin values his American counterpart's efforts as a mediator, describing the personal relationship between the two leaders as still positive.
The Kremlin believes that recent dialogue between Washington and Moscow has progressed slowly because the US has linked the goal of restoring bilateral relations to resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Peskov confirmed that Russia remains open to peaceful dialogue but warned that "those who refuse to negotiate today will be in a more disadvantageous position tomorrow".
Thanh Danh (Reuters, RT)
