The Kremlin is putting on a calm front in response to the $61 billion military aid package for Ukraine approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, downplaying its potential to shift the dynamics of the ongoing war.
While hawkish voices like former president Dmitry Medvedev condemned the “bloody dollars” and even called for a new American Civil War, the overarching Russian response has stuck to a carefully crafted message – the aid will change little on the battlefield.
“We had fully expected this,” spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated about the package, which will provide vital weaponry as Ukraine braces for a renewed Russian offensive. “It won’t change the situation on the battlefield in any significant way.”
Such nonchalance betrays underlying concerns in Moscow. Pro-Kremlin media outlets warned the funding could enable deeper Ukrainian strikes into Russian territory, particularly targeting the strategic Crimean Bridge.
There are also worries over provisions allowing the seizure of Russian assets in America to compensate Ukraine. While the vast majority of frozen funds are in Europe, Moscow does not want to see a precedent that could be replicated by allies.
Yet despite the bravado, Russian officials and state media have avoided open panic, instead portraying the aid as a futile effort that will only prolong American “failure”, much like previous conflicts.
“Off the top of their heads, can anyone name one major conflict from which the Americans emerged undisputed victors?” wrote Izvestia newspaper, citing Vietnam and Afghanistan as examples of U.S. overreach.
For now, Russia’s public stance conveys derision at Washington’s latest attempts to bolster Kyiv’s war effort. But the dismissive rhetoric also masks apprehension that the military and economic costs could continue mounting for Moscow.
