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Moscow, 10 July 2025 – The Kremlin has brushed off US President Donald Trump’s recent sharp criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, maintaining a composed stance amid strained bilateral relations, according to BBC Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg.
Following a 3 July phone call – the sixth this year between the two leaders – Trump expressed disappointment, stating that no progress was made toward ending the war in Ukraine. “I’m not happy about that,” he remarked. Days later, he escalated tensions by threatening a 10% tariff on countries aligned with BRICS, including Russia, and on Tuesday, during a cabinet meeting, he accused Putin of throwing “a lot of bullshit” at the US, despite being “very nice.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded calmly during a conference call with journalists, saying, “Trump’s way of talking is generally quite harsh… we plan to continue our dialogue with Washington to mend our broken bilateral relations.” Peskov expressed hope that Trump’s administration would pursue diplomatic efforts to revive peace talks. Russian media, however, was less restrained. *Komsomolskaya Pravda* accused Trump of lacking geopolitical achievements, while *Moskovsky Komsomolets* highlighted his “mercurial temperament” and “chaotic changes of direction.” *Arguments and Facts* mocked Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan, suggesting it inadvertently promotes Elon Musk’s new America Party. This marks a shift from earlier optimism in Russian press coverage, which had praised Trump’s reluctance to strengthen sanctions and his push for trade with Moscow. Earlier this year, US-Russia talks aimed at improving ties, and Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff frequently visited Moscow, even receiving a portrait of Trump from Putin. However, Witkoff’s last visit was in April, and in June, Russia announced that the US had cancelled planned diplomatic talks. Tensions have grown as Trump appears frustrated by Russia’s refusal to agree to a comprehensive Ukraine ceasefire. *Moskovsky Komsomolets* suggested Putin believes Trump’s offers fall short of Russia’s demands, including greater territorial concessions, limits on Ukraine’s military, and reduced Western arms support. The paper noted Putin’s confidence that he “holds the cards” and can wait for a better deal. Analysts warn that Moscow’s calculations may hinge on Trump’s next moves, particularly regarding US military aid to Ukraine and potential new sanctions on Russia. Russian commentators recently celebrated a US pause on some Ukrainian aid, but Trump’s actions remain unpredictable, with *Komsomolskaya Pravda* likening his policy shifts to “changing shoes.” As the situation evolves, observers are urged to watch not only Trump’s rhetoric but also his concrete actions on Russia and Ukraine.
