• Kremlin rejects claims that Donald Trump frequently shifts his position on Ukraine.
  • Moscow argues Trump’s recent remarks are influenced by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
  • Russia insists its economy remains stable despite sanctions and revised growth forecasts.

The Kremlin on Thursday pushed back against suggestions that Donald Trump’s stance on the war in Ukraine is inconsistent, arguing that the former U.S. president’s position has been “pretty consistent.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Trump’s recent statements were influenced by communications with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, leading to what Moscow considers mistaken assumptions about the conflict.

“We see that Mr. Trump’s statements are often based on information he receives from Kyiv,” Peskov told reporters. “That does not match the reality on the ground or our understanding of the situation.” The Kremlin’s comments come amid heightened speculation about Trump’s potential return to the White House and what it could mean for U.S. policy toward Ukraine.

Peskov also dismissed the notion that Trump “frequently changes his mind” on key issues, calling such claims “not true.” The Kremlin appears eager to frame U.S. policy as predictable enough for Moscow to plan against, even as Trump’s public remarks have at times zigzagged between hawkish and conciliatory tones toward Russia.

On the economic front, the Kremlin pushed back against narratives that the war is straining Russia’s finances. “Our macroeconomic situation is stable,” Peskov said, though he acknowledged that official growth forecasts have been revised downward. Reports have suggested that Moscow is considering raising value-added taxes to cover increasing military expenditures, but the Kremlin maintains that the economy remains resilient.

Analysts say the Kremlin’s messaging is aimed at shaping expectations in Washington and among allies. By portraying Trump as reliable and the U.S. stance as consistent, Moscow may be signaling a willingness to engage in negotiations—or at least to reduce uncertainty in its own planning.

The dispute over economic stability is central to the broader debate about Russia’s war capacity. While Western sanctions have bitten, Russia’s energy revenues and fiscal adjustments have so far kept its economy afloat. Budgetary measures, including potential tax hikes, are seen as a sign that Moscow is preparing for a prolonged conflict.

“The Kremlin is trying to project an image of control and predictability,” said a former Russian diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity. “They want to tell Washington: we can work with you, regardless of who is in charge.”

Meanwhile, Trump himself has not commented on the Kremlin’s characterization of his stance. His campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

Clarification: An earlier version of this article referred to Trump’s “shifting position” without noting the Kremlin’s rebuttal. This version includes the Kremlin’s denial.