The Kremlin has advised Russian state-aligned media outlets to avoid excessive praise of US President Donald Trump, instead directing attention towards President Vladimir Putin’s diplomatic skills.

According to the independent Russian media organisation Verstka, media leaders have been urged to maintain a cautious and balanced tone amidst the recent improvement in US-Russia relations and the possibility of a ceasefire in Ukraine. The directive is intended to prevent overly favourable coverage of Trump in case negotiations between the two countries fail.

This measured approach aligns with the Kremlin’s broader media strategy, which prioritises flexibility in messaging to allow for strategic adjustments when necessary. By refraining from outright endorsement of Trump, state media can more easily shift narratives if diplomatic efforts stall or if the US president alters his stance.

A source familiar with regular Kremlin editorial meetings told Verstka that Russian leadership seeks to foster a “positive atmosphere” around the growing diplomatic engagement while presenting Trump as a leader who has merely recognised Moscow’s outreach, which was initiated by Putin.

The Russian media should not be praising Trump, but rather “presenting him as someone who had the foresight to accept Putin’s extended hand,” the source explained. This framing ensures that, should relations deteriorate, Russian officials can assert they made every effort to engage diplomatically.

Despite these unofficial guidelines, Russian media outlets have taken varied approaches in their coverage. Some state-controlled television channels have expressed optimism about Trump’s willingness to engage with Moscow, depicting it as a pragmatic shift in US foreign policy. Others, particularly pro-war bloggers and military correspondents, have reacted with scepticism, especially concerning potential agreements on joint resource extraction projects. Concerns have emerged over reports that Russia might collaborate with the US on rare earth minerals, with hardline commentators viewing such a move as a possible concession rather than a diplomatic victory.

According to Verstka, the increase in positive coverage of relations with the US has led to significantly fewer references to Russia’s strategic partnership with China. In recent years, state media have strongly emphasised Moscow’s alignment with Beijing, portraying China as a crucial counterweight to Western influence. However, since the renewed engagement with Washington, coverage has shifted to present Russia as an independent diplomatic power rather than a junior partner seeking Chinese support.