The Kremlin announced on March 15, 2024, its commitment to continue the military offensive in Ukraine, firmly rejecting assertions made by U.S. President Donald Trump that Ukraine could reclaim territories occupied by Russian forces. During a recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump characterized Russia’s military capabilities as inadequate, suggesting that Ukraine might regain control of its territory.
In response to Trump’s comments, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia remains focused on its stated military objectives, referring to the ongoing conflict as a “special military operation.” Peskov stated, “We are continuing our special military operation to ensure our interests and achieve the goals set by Putin. We have no alternative.”
This military campaign escalated in February 2022, when Russian forces attempted to capture Kyiv and overthrow the Ukrainian government. The conflict has led to significant loss of life, with tens of thousands reported dead, widespread destruction across eastern and southern Ukraine, and millions displaced from their homes. Presently, Russian forces occupy approximately one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory, including the annexed Crimean peninsula.
Peskov dismissed Trump’s assertion that Russia is a “paper tiger.” He countered, stating, “Russia is more associated with a bear. And paper bears don’t exist. Russia is a real bear.” Despite this assertion, he acknowledged challenges facing the Russian economy, which is experiencing slow growth and persistent inflation. In a bid to mitigate budget deficits caused by the ongoing offensive, the finance ministry proposed raising the sales tax from next year.
As tensions continue to escalate, Ukraine has intensified its attacks on Russian energy installations. Recent drone strikes targeted a significant oil refinery in the central Bashkortostan region, causing a major fire. Another Ukrainian drone attack resulted in fatalities in the Russian port city of Novorossiysk, located near Crimea.
Peskov also addressed claims regarding Russian military aircraft breaching NATO airspace, labeling the reactions as “hysteria.” He referred to NATO’s accusations of Russian violations as exaggerated, despite multiple reports of Russian jets and drones entering European airspace in recent weeks.
While diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have stalled, Peskov noted that the anticipated rapprochement between Moscow and Washington, following Trump’s previous presidency, has produced minimal outcomes. The shift in Trump’s rhetoric regarding the war has drawn mixed reactions, with Zelensky describing it as a “big shift.”
In Kyiv, citizens expressed skepticism about the implications of Trump’s statements. A local resident, Bogdan Tkachuk, remarked, “It’s just another opinion from Trump, which changes every hour.” Another Kyiv inhabitant, Svitlana Fetisova, emphasized the need for tangible support, stating, “I really want to believe that this is true and that finally the country responsible for the balance of peace in the whole world will turn to us.”
The ongoing conflict continues to shape the geopolitical landscape, with both sides suffering significant losses while the humanitarian crisis deepens. As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will bring an end to the hostilities.
