Kremlin responds to Trump’s threats on tariffs, clears on third round of talks with Kyiv

The Kremlin is reviewing recent remarks by US President Donald Trump regarding military support for Ukraine and new economic sanctions targeting Russia. 

Speaking at a press briefing on July 15, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Kremlin had taken note of Trump’s statements made a day earlier and intended to conduct a thorough analysis of the US leader’s comments, Caliber.Az reports via TASS. 

Peskov emphasised the seriousness of Trump’s remarks, noting that part of the message appeared to be directed personally at Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said the Russian leadership required time to fully examine the implications of the statements made in Washington.

President Trump’s comments came after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on July 14. He expressed disappointment in Russia and in President Putin personally, and pledged to continue supplying weapons and military equipment to Ukraine with NATo covering the expenses. The US and NATO also reached an agreement to support Ukraine’s military capabilities.

Trump also warned that the United States would impose import tariffs of around 100 per cent on Russia and its trading partners if a deal is not reached within 50 days.

Meanwhile, Peskov also addressed the status of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. He stated that Moscow had not yet received any proposals from Kyiv regarding the timing of the third round of direct negotiations. Nonetheless, he reiterated that Russia remained open to such discussions and was awaiting an official response from the Ukrainian side.

Peskov reminded reporters that Russia had made its willingness to negotiate clear on several occasions, including at the highest levels of government.

The last round of Russian-Ukrainian talks took place on June 2, during which both sides exchanged draft memorandums on a peaceful resolution and agreed to swap seriously wounded prisoners of war and the bodies of deceased soldiers.

By Sabina Mammadli