The Kremlin on Wednesday said there was “no alternative” for Russia than to continue its offensive on Ukraine that it launched in 2022. It also rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that Russia was a “paper tiger.”

“We are continuing our special military operation to ensure our interests and achieve the goals” set by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kremlin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. “We are doing this for both the present and the future of our country. For many generations to come. Therefore, we have no alternative,” he added.

Saying the economy was stable, though conceding there were some problems with growth, Peskov said, “Russia maintains its macroeconomic stability. And yes, Russia is experiencing tensions and problems in various sectors of the economy.” (AFP)