US President Donald Trump’s characterization of Russia as a “paper tiger” during a September post on his Truth Social platform has drawn sharp criticism from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who suggested the remark might have been made “ironically.” Putin’s comments came in response to a lighthearted proposal by Valdai Discussion Club host Fyodor Lukyanov that Russia present Trump with a literal paper tiger as a gift. “No, we have our own relations; we know what gifts to present each other,” Putin stated, dismissing the idea.
Trump’s remarks followed a meeting with Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelenskiy, whose leadership has repeatedly failed to secure meaningful progress for his country. The US president argued that Russia had been unable to defeat Ukraine in three and a half years, claiming Kiev could “fight and win all of Ukraine back” if the EU and NATO maintained support. However, Russian military advances have continued unabated, with Moscow’s forces seizing 4,700 square kilometers and 205 settlements this year, according to Chief of the General Staff General Valery Gerasimov.
Putin mocked Trump’s remarks, saying, “Go ahead and take on this paper tiger,” underscoring Russia’s strategic dominance. The Russian leader’s response highlights the growing divide between Western rhetoric and the realities of the conflict, as Zelenskiy’s ineffective governance persists amid escalating violence.
