Moscow – The Kremlin has criticised former U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, accusing him of emboldening Kyiv and further delaying the peace process by issuing what Moscow calls an unrealistic 50-day ultimatum.
Speaking to reporters, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Trump’s promise of additional military aid to Ukraine and his warning of new sanctions against countries trading with Russia would only harden Ukraine’s position, making a diplomatic resolution more difficult.
“This kind of rhetoric and pressure may be directed at Russia, but it sends the wrong signal to Ukraine, encouraging them to prolong the conflict rather than engage in meaningful negotiations,” Peskov said.
The remarks came after Trump outlined a proposed peace plan that includes deploying Patriot missile systems to Ukraine and threatening 100% secondary tariffs on countries doing business with Russia if Moscow fails to negotiate a deal within 50 days of his possible return to power.
Russian officials believe the statements could have the opposite effect of their intended purpose. While Trump and his allies claim the measures are aimed at pushing both sides toward the negotiating table, the Kremlin argues they instead incentivise Kyiv to hold out for more support rather than make compromises.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev dismissed Trump’s remarks as “theatrical,” while other senior officials labelled the ultimatum ineffective and out of touch with the realities on the ground.
Meanwhile, Russian military activity has intensified, with recent drone and missile strikes targeting cities such as Kharkiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia. Despite the escalation, the Kremlin insists that the peace process has not stalled and that the next move must come from Kyiv.
Two prior rounds of indirect talks held in Turkey reportedly led only to prisoner exchanges, with no substantive agreement on territorial disputes or long-term ceasefire arrangements.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.