Russian President Vladimir Putin has brushed off recent verbal attacks by former US President Donald Trump, describing them as “campaign noise” aimed at energising domestic audiences rather than shaping international policy. The remarks come after Trump sharply criticised Putin in a series of speeches, calling him “a menace to the world” and accusing him of exploiting weak Western leadership.
Speaking during a panel at the Eurasian Economic Forum in Moscow, Putin appeared unfazed by Trump’s language. “We are used to hearing strong words during the American election season,” he said. “This is not about Russia. This is about American politics.” He added that the Kremlin would not be “distracted by rhetoric” and would instead “focus on real strategic developments.”
Trump’s comments mark a shift in tone. During his presidency, he frequently expressed admiration for Putin and resisted bipartisan pressure to take a hard line on Russia. However, with the US presidential race intensifying, Trump has taken a more hawkish stance, accusing Putin of being emboldened by President Biden’s foreign policy and claiming that only he can rein in Moscow’s ambitions.
Analysts see the former president’s shift as part of a broader effort to reposition himself as the only leader capable of dealing with geopolitical threats, while appealing to key voter groups disillusioned with Biden’s handling of Ukraine and NATO. Trump’s recent campaign stops have included warnings that Putin’s actions in Eastern Europe could spiral into wider conflict if unchecked.
For Moscow, however, the rhetoric is seen as largely performative. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that “Russia does not base its foreign policy on the campaign slogans of other countries.” He reiterated that Putin’s administration is prepared to work with “whoever the American people choose,” while cautioning against “militarised language that does not serve peace or diplomacy.”
Behind the scenes, Russian officials are closely watching the US election cycle, particularly given Trump’s past suggestions that he would curtail US military aid to Ukraine and seek a negotiated settlement to the war. Such possibilities have fuelled speculation that the Kremlin may see a second Trump presidency as a strategic opening, despite the current war of words.
The exchange underscores how the war in Ukraine and Russia’s global posture continue to shape Western political discourse. While Putin may dismiss Trump’s remarks publicly, both sides remain acutely aware that leadership in Washington will profoundly affect the future of European security and Russia’s global standing.
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