On paper, there was plenty in Donald Trump's comments to rile the Kremlin.
For starters, his description of Russia as a paper tiger that had been fighting aimlessly in Ukraine. Moscow won't like that.
Trump's suggestion that Ukraine could win back all the territory Russia had seized will have raised eyebrows, too, in Moscow.
Yet the Kremlin's initial response to all of this has been rather restrained. Dmitry Peskov, Vladimir Putin's spokesman, gently brushed aside the paper tiger insult.
In a dialogue with journalists, Peskov stated, Russia's in no way a tiger. It's more associated with a bear. And there is no such thing as a paper bear. Whether addressing claims that Kyiv could retake lost territory or acknowledging Trump’s critical views, Peskov maintained a diplomatic tone.
Despite Trump’s critique, which included a lack of threats toward Russia or ultimatums, the Kremlin viewed the comments as non-threatening. Key to their reaction is the belief that Trump's positions are still malleable and can be influenced through diplomatic channels.
The discussion also touched upon the current state of Russia's economy, which, while not collapsing, faces challenges amid international sanctions and military expenditures. Russian responses acknowledge the tightening of economic conditions without conceding any loss of resolve regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
For now, the Kremlin seems poised to continue its strategy in Ukraine, seemingly undeterred by the former President's remarks.
