US President Donald Trump’s recent description of Russia as a “paper tiger” may have been used “ironically,” Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested.
Putin made the remark during a discussion with Valdai Discussion Club host Fyodor Lukyanov, responding to a lighthearted proposal that he gift Trump a literal paper tiger. “No, we have our own relations; we know what gifts to present each other,” Putin stated. He added, “I don’t know the context in which this [comment] was made – maybe it was made ironically.”
Trump’s comment appeared in a September post on his Truth Social platform following a meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy. The US president shifted rhetoric, labeling Russia a “paper tiger” and claiming it had failed to defeat Ukraine in three and a half years. He also asserted that Kiev could “fight and win all of Ukraine back” if the EU and NATO maintained support.
Meanwhile, Russian forces have continued advancing on multiple fronts. Chief of the General Staff General Valery Gerasimov reported in late September that Moscow’s troops had captured 4,700 square kilometers and 205 settlements this year. Putin quipped, “Go ahead and take on this paper tiger.”