Putin Challenges Trump’s ‘Paper Tiger’ Remark

Russian President Vladimir Putin responded sharply to U.S. President Donald Trump’s characterization of Russia as a "paper tiger" during a speech at the Valdai Discussion Group in Sochi. Putin questioned the validity of Trump’s statement, suggesting that if Russia is a "paper tiger," then what does that make NATO? He stated, "If we are fighting with the entire NATO bloc, we are moving, advancing, and we feel confident, and we are a 'paper tiger', then what is NATO itself?"

Putin’s comments come amid escalating tensions in the ongoing war in Ukraine, which he described as Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two. He noted that Russian forces are advancing on multiple fronts and that nearly all NATO countries are now opposing Russia.

Trump, who had previously suggested that Ukraine should concede territory to Russia for peace, recently shifted his stance, expressing confidence that Ukraine could reclaim its territory and reiterating that Russia is a "paper tiger."

During his address, Putin also warned that if the U.S. were to supply Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, it would lead to a significant escalation in the conflict. He stated, "It is impossible to use Tomahawks without the direct participation of American military personnel. This will mean a completely new, qualitatively new stage of escalation, including in relations between Russia and the United States."

Putin dismissed claims from European leaders that Russia poses a threat to NATO, calling such assertions "impossible to believe" and accusing them of creating hysteria. He urged NATO members to focus on their own issues, saying, "Cool down, sleep calmly, and take care of your own problems. Just take a look at what’s happening on the streets of European cities."

He also highlighted the challenges faced by Ukraine’s military, claiming they are suffering from manpower shortages and desertions, while Russia maintains a strong military presence. Putin asserted that Russia controls nearly all of Luhansk province and significant portions of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions. He suggested that Ukraine should consider negotiating an end to the conflict, emphasizing the need for a resolution to the ongoing hostilities.