Is the honeymoon over? Putin appears unfazed by 'emotional' Trump's threat

Vladimir Putin appears unfazed by Donald Trump's first tangible break with Moscow – a sign, analysts and Kremlin insiders say, that Russia had long anticipated a deterioration in relations from the apparent improvement at the beginning of Trump's second term.

- Pjotr Sauer

While Moscow views the souring of ties with Trump as regrettable, the US president dramatically shifted tone last week as he announced a deal to arm Ukraine and threatened massive sanctions. Sources say Putin was always going to prioritize the war. He remains confident that Russian forces are gaining ground and that Ukraine's resistance could soon unravel.

"Moscow is disappointed and upset that it didn't work out with Trump," said a former high-ranking Kremlin official. "But whatever expectations Putin might have had for a good relationship with Trump, it was always going to come second to his maximalist goals in Ukraine. For Putin, the invasion of Ukraine is existential," the source, speaking on condition of anonymity, added.

Putin, who has gone out of his way for months to flatter Trump, has not yet commented on Trump's threats, while the Kremlin and top officials have refrained from direct criticism. But behind the scenes, there was a mix of frustration and acceptance.

"In Moscow, there had been hope and anticipation of forging a strong relationship with Trump," said Tatiana Stanovaya, an independent Russian political analyst. "But the baseline expectation in Russia has always been tougher US sanctions and a steady flow of weapons to Ukraine."