Kremlin says no alternative to Ukraine offensive despite Trump remarks

The Kremlin has declared there is “no alternative” to continuing its military offensive in Ukraine, rejecting US President Donald Trump’s remarks that Russia is a “paper tiger” with a weakening economy.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that Russia would press on with what it calls its “special military operation” to safeguard national interests and future generations. “We are doing this for both the present and the future of our country. Therefore, we have no alternative,” Peskov said in a radio interview.

His comments came a day after Trump suggested Ukraine could win back all its territory from Russia, in a sharp shift from his earlier position. Peskov dismissed Trump’s statement, but acknowledged that Russia’s economy, while maintaining “macroeconomic stability,” was under strain with rising inflation and sectoral challenges.

The Kremlin also gave a downbeat view of US-Russia relations, saying efforts to improve ties since Trump’s return to the White House in January have brought “close to zero” results. Peskov noted that Moscow wants discussions with Washington to extend beyond Ukraine to broader economic and diplomatic cooperation.

The war, now in its fourth year, continues to strain Russia’s economy and international relations, while Ukraine remains determined to regain its occupied territories.