Russia Is A Real Bear Not Paper Tiger: Kremlin Hits Back At Trump's Jibe

Russia Is A Real Bear Not Paper Tiger: Kremlin Hits Back At Trump's Jibe

Russia firmly dismissed remarks made by US President Donald Trump, asserting that it remains economically resilient despite sanctions and describing itself as a "real bear" rather than a "paper tiger".

On Wednesday, the Kremlin responded to Trump's comments which were delivered during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the UN conference. Trump had encouraged Ukraine to capitalize on Russia's supposed economic vulnerabilities and reclaim all territories currently under Russian control, which amounts to approximately one-fifth of Ukraine.

In an unexpected shift in rhetoric, Trump declared on social media: "I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form".

He further stated, "Putin and Russia are in BIG Economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act," in a post on Truth Social.

Trump questioned Russia's military capabilities, suggesting that taking three and a half years to achieve victory in a conflict that any "real military power" would resolve in less than a week was not "distinguishing Russia" but rather making them appear as "a paper tiger."

In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed Trump's characterization, cleverly noting that Russia was actually a bear, not a tiger, adding that "paper bears" do not exist.

"Of course, President Trump heard Zelensky's version of events. And apparently at this point, this version is the reason for the assessment we heard," Peskov explained during an interview with RBC radio.

Peskov emphasized that Russian forces continue to advance in Ukraine while maintaining "macroeconomic stability" despite the economic restrictions and sanctions imposed on the country.

"This, of course, is more a question for our military, but overall - and the president has repeatedly stated this - we are moving forward very carefully to minimise losses... (and) so as not to undermine our offensive potential. These are very deliberate actions," Peskov concluded.