Kremlin welcomes removal of ‘direct threat’ label in U.S. strategy
Trump’s strategy stresses “flexible realism” focused on America’s interests.
The Kremlin has welcomed the Trump administration’s decision to revise the United States’ national security strategy and remove language that previously labeled Russia as a “direct threat.” The change, confirmed on Sunday (December 7, 2025) by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, marks a noticeable shift in Washington’s tone at a time when U.S.–Russia relations remain strained but not entirely without space for dialogue.
For more than a decade, Russia has been at the center of American security concerns. After Moscow’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, successive U.S. administrations placed Russia high on the list of global adversaries. Those documents often portrayed the Kremlin as a destabilizing force. Against this backdrop, the Trump administration’s decision to soften that language stands out.
Speaking to the state-run TASS agency, Peskov noted that the updated strategy no longer categorizes Russia as a direct threat and instead emphasizes areas where cooperation might still be possible—particularly on issues related to nuclear and strategic stability. He described the shift as “a positive step,” though he emphasized that Moscow would study the document carefully before forming any deeper judgments. “We certainly need to look at it more closely and analyze it,” he said, suggesting a cautious but appreciative response from the Kremlin.
The new 29-page strategy outlines President Donald Trump’s foreign policy approach under the banner of “flexible realism,” a phrase that signals a full embrace of transactional diplomacy. According to the document, U.S. policy will be guided primarily by “what works for America,” underscoring Trump’s consistent emphasis on pragmatic, interest-first decision-making. Within this framework, the administration says it will seek a rapid resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and hopes to restore “strategic stability” with Russia. At the same time, the strategy acknowledges that Russia’s actions in Ukraine remain a significant security concern for the United States.
Trump’s personal comments over the years have often praised or shown admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, a pattern that has fueled criticism at home. Opponents argue that the president’s rhetoric does not match the seriousness of Russia’s military actions. Even so, sanctions imposed on Moscow over Ukraine have largely remained in place.
Across Europe, reaction has been mixed. U.S. allies who depend on Washington’s leadership in deterring Russia are watching closely. Several European governments worry that the softer American tone could undercut joint efforts to hold Moscow accountable at a time when the war in Ukraine continues to grind on with no clear end in sight.