The Kremlin insisted there was ‘no alternative’ to its offensive in Ukraine, aimed at securing Russia’s interests for future generations

The Kremlin on Wednesday said it had no choice but to continue its military offensive on Ukraine, as Moscow rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that Russia was a “paper tiger”.

The comments come a day after Trump said Ukraine could win back all of its territory from Russia, which he characterised as a “paper tiger” with a failing economy – a major pivot in his stance on the three-and-a-half-year conflict.

“We are continuing our special military operation to ensure our interests and achieve the goals,” set by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday, using Moscow’s term for its assault on Ukraine.

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