Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The Kremlin has issued a sharp rebuttal to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s characterization of Russia as a “paper tiger,” insisting instead that the country remains a resilient global force economically and militarily despite ongoing sanctions and international pressure.
In a post published Tuesday on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed that, based on his revised understanding of the military and economic dynamics between Ukraine and Russia, he now believes Ukraine with the support of the European Union has the capability to reclaim all territories currently held by Russian forces. Trump described Moscow as a weakened adversary, likening Russia to a “paper tiger” depleted by war and grappling with fuel shortages.
The Kremlin was quick to respond. Speaking in an interview with Russia’s RBC radio on Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Trump’s remarks, emphasizing a different animal metaphor to define Russia’s image on the global stage.
“Russia is not a tiger,” Peskov said. “Russia is traditionally associated with the bear. And as everyone knows there are no paper bears. Russia is a real bear.”
Economic Strain, But No Collapse
Peskov acknowledged that Russia is experiencing “certain tensions and problems” across various sectors of its economy. However, he attributed these challenges to the sweeping economic sanctions imposed by Western nations, along with broader global financial instability.
“Despite the enormous number of economic restrictions and sanctions, Russia maintains its macroeconomic stability and resilience,” Peskov asserted, pushing back against the idea that the country’s economy is crumbling under external pressure.
Western sanctions targeting Russia’s banking, energy, and defense sectors have significantly altered the country’s economic landscape since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. However, Moscow claims it has adapted through alternative trade routes, increased partnerships with non-Western allies, and a renewed focus on domestic production.
Military Claims Contradict Trump’s Assessment
Addressing Trump’s assertion that Ukraine could retake all of its occupied territories, Peskov dismissed the former president’s assessment as detached from battlefield realities.
“The dynamics at the front lines speak for themselves, even to someone with limited experience,” Peskov said. “Our forces are making relatively steady gains along the line of contact, and Ukrainian armed forces are suffering heavy losses.”
The Kremlin’s portrayal of battlefield momentum runs counter to repeated statements from Ukrainian and Western officials, who argue that the front has largely stagnated, with limited gains on either side, and that Russia’s reported advances have come at an immense human and logistical cost.
Trump’s Involvement Raises Eyebrows
Trump’s remarks come as he intensifies his public commentary on international affairs ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, where he remains a leading contender for the Republican nomination. His statements on Ukraine and Russia have often drawn scrutiny for appearing sympathetic to Moscow or for casting doubt on NATO’s cohesion.
While Trump’s views continue to spark debate in the West, they also serve as a barometer for how a potential return to the White House might shift U.S. foreign policy, particularly toward Eastern Europe and the broader NATO alliance.
A War of Words Reflecting a Deeper Divide
The sharp exchange of rhetoric between Trump and the Kremlin underscores the increasingly politicized nature of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has become not only a battlefield issue but also a campaign talking point in the West.
As the war grinds on with no decisive end in sight, the battle for global narratives is intensifying with each side seeking to shape international perception, rally allies, and maintain internal morale.
