US President Donald Trump has sparked a diplomatic firestorm by asserting that the Russian economy is "on the verge of collapse," citing domestic fuel shortages as a key indicator of its vulnerability. Moscow was quick to dismiss the claims, emphasizing the stability of its energy sector despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The President's Disappointment and Economic Warning
Speaking on Monday, President Trump voiced rare disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting the Russian leader was "not ready" to conclude the protracted conflict in Ukraine. Trump used visible domestic issues—specifically, long lines for gasoline—as evidence of deeper structural problems.
"I am very disappointed," Trump stated. "Putin and I used to have a very good relationship—maybe we still do. But he genuinely needs to end this war. Right now, people in Russia are lining up for gas... and then, his economy will collapse."
Trump's remarks come as the US continues to implement heavy sanctions aimed at increasing financial pressure on Moscow. The President's warning about economic collapse adds a highly public layer of pressure to the strained bilateral relationship.
Russia’s Swift Rebuttal
The Russian government immediately pushed back against the assessment. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak publicly refuted the claims, insisting that the domestic energy market is functioning normally and showing no signs of crisis or supply-demand imbalance.
"We have a stable domestic market, and currently, we do not register any serious problems," Novak declared. "The balance between production and consumption is being maintained. The government and relevant agencies are taking all necessary measures to ensure this stability."
While the Kremlin consistently denies that Western sanctions are crippling its economy, Trump's focus on visible shortages, like gas lines, forced a direct and immediate response to maintain confidence in Russia's economic resilience.
A Sliver of Diplomatic Hope
Despite the verbal sparring over the economy, the Kremlin unexpectedly welcomed President Trump's stated desire to pursue a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed cautious optimism after Trump highlighted his recent success in brokering a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
"We always maintain an open position toward dialogue," Peskov commented. "We hope the United States will use its influence to encourage Ukraine toward a lasting peaceful solution."
This reception suggests that while economic rhetoric remains fiercely combative, Moscow is eager to engage with the US Administration on diplomatic avenues, particularly given Trump's previous stern warning that he might provide long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine if the conflict continues.
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