Russia dismisses Trump's sanctions ultimatum as 'nothing new', open to 'mutually respectful' talks

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The Kremlin dismisses US President Donald Trump’s remarks on the Ukraine conflict, expressing openness to constructive dialogue despite proposed sanctions. Trump threatens increased economic pressure on Russia, urging a peace deal to end the war. Meanwhile, Russian attacks continue, causing casualties in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine.

The Kremlin on Thursday dismissed US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on the Ukraine conflict, saying that it found nothing new in his statements.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov highlighted Moscow’s readiness for “mutually respectful” dialogue with Washington despite the ongoing tensions.

“We do not see any particularly new elements,” Peskov said in response to Trump’s threats of imposing additional sanctions on Russia if it does not halt its nearly three-year-long offensive in Ukraine. Stressing the Kremlin’s position, Peskov reiterated that Moscow remains open to constructive dialogue with the new US administration.

Peskov said it was clear from Trump’s first presidency that he “liked” sanctions and that Moscow was “closely following” his statements.

“We remain ready for dialogue, for equal, mutually respectful dialogue,” Peskov said, as quoted by AFP.

President Trump’s remarks, made on Wednesday via X, suggested a willingness to escalate economic pressure on Russia if President Vladimir Putin refuses to negotiate an end to the war. Trump said in a post, “I’m not looking to hurt Russia. I love the Russian people, and always had a very good relationship with President Putin … All of that being said, I’m going to do Russia, whose economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big favor. Settle now, and stop this ridiculous war! It’s only going to get worse.”

‘Sounds likely’ the US will sanction Russia if Putin does not negotiate on Ukraine: Trump

Trump also hinted at a tough stance, warning of “high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions” on Russian goods if a peace deal is not reached soon. He urged for a swift resolution to the conflict, saying, “Let’s get this war, which never would have started if I were President, over with! We can do it the easy way, or the hard way – and the easy way is always better. It’s time to ‘make a deal.’ No more lives should be lost!!!”

Earlier in the week, Trump had directly called on Putin to negotiate peace, asserting that prolonging the war could have devastating consequences for Russia. “He should make a deal. I think he’s destroying Russia by not making a deal,” Trump had said, adding, “I think Russia’s going to be in big trouble.”

Trump also referenced discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, noting that Zelenskyy reportedly supports a peace agreement. Reflecting on the conflict’s prolonged nature since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Trump commented, “Most people thought that war would have been over in one week. I think [Putin] would be very well off to end that war.”

Meanwhile, the violence on the ground showed no signs of abating. On Thursday, a Russian drone and missile attack struck the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, killing one person and injuring 25 others, according to rescue workers. Ukraine’s State Emergency Service released images of a destroyed building and a damaged firetruck, highlighting the devastation caused by the strikes.

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