The Kremlin has dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of new sanctions and tariffs over the Ukraine conflict, calling them “nothing new.”
Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, warned that Moscow would face steep penalties unless it reaches a peace deal with Ukraine “soon.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia is open to “equal and respectful dialogue” with the United States, noting that Trump’s first term was marked by frequent use of sanctions.
“Trump in his first term was the U.S. president most frequently resorting to sanctions. He likes this method,” Peskov added.
Trump, who began his second term this week, reiterated his goal of quickly resolving the Ukraine crisis. “I would very much like to meet with President Putin soon,” he said in a video address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
He also claimed he could end the war within 24 hours if returned to office, though he later adjusted the timeline to six months.
Russia has expressed willingness for peace talks but accuses Kyiv of rejecting negotiations. Moscow also criticized Western military aid to Ukraine, claiming it prolongs the conflict and risks escalating tensions with NATO.