Wed Sep 24 11:25:02 UTC 2025: ## Trump’s Ukraine U-Turn Draws Defiance and Mockery from Moscow

**Moscow – September 24, 2025:** The Kremlin has dismissed recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the war in Ukraine, branding them as a rhetorical shift designed to absolve the U.S. of further involvement. Trump, in a sudden reversal of tone on Tuesday, stated his belief that Ukraine could reclaim all territory currently held by Russia and encouraged Kyiv to act swiftly, citing economic problems in Russia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov countered that the Russian economy remains stable despite sanctions and that the slow progress of Russian forces in Ukraine is a deliberate strategy, not a sign of weakness. “Russia is not a tiger but is more associated with a bear,” Peskov stated in response to Trump’s “paper tiger” comment.

While angered by what they perceived as insulting rhetoric, Russian nationalists and political insiders interpreted Trump’s change of heart as an attempt to distance himself from the conflict after failed peace brokering efforts. They noted that Trump offered no new commitments of U.S. aid, placing the responsibility on Ukraine and the European Union.

“Yes, Trump suddenly told the world about his love for Ukraine. He hoped it would ‘regain the territories it had in 1991 and, who knows, maybe even go further,” said Konstantin Malofeyev, an ultra-nationalist tycoon. “But the main point… is that the U.S. is washing its hands of the matter. The European Union will pay for everything.”

Peskov acknowledged Trump’s shift in favor of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, but affirmed that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov would discuss Russia’s position with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later on Wednesday. He also refuted Trump’s criticism of the Russian military, reiterating that their operations in Ukraine were part of a “well thought-out strategy” designed to minimize losses.

Other Russian figures reacted with stronger condemnation. Senator Dmitry Rogozin, who has fought in Ukraine, criticized Trump’s rhetoric as “undignified,” while Margarita Simonyan, a prominent state media executive, compared Trump to a tarot card reader making false promises to Ukraine.

The situation remains tense as Russia continues its operations in Ukraine and diplomatic efforts continue between Russia and the United States. The impact of Trump’s shift in rhetoric on the future of the conflict remains to be seen.

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