Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to former United States President Donald Trump's remark calling Russia a "paper tiger" during the meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
Putin considered Trump's statement incorrect and analyzed the real situation of Russia. Contrary to the views expressed in Trump's statement, he asked what public opinion should be if Russia were truly acting against NATO.
Putin emphasized that Russia has been in conflict not with Ukraine for many years, but with almost all NATO members. If Russia were at war with NATO and simultaneously strengthening its position, then criticisms about NATO would be illogical.
The president clearly and convincingly defended Russia's influence and political actions on the world stage. Additionally, Putin regarded Trump's phrase "paper tiger" as a sarcastic remark and stressed that such opinions should not encourage depriving Russia of its military power.
He said: "He told his interlocutor, 'This is a paper tiger.' Then what happens?
Go ahead and destroy the paper tiger. But everything is happening differently." This response from the Russian president was the first public reaction to Donald Trump's words posted on the Truth Social social network on September 23.
Trump had emphasized that Russia's actions in Ukraine would fail because Russia had become a "paper tiger." Putin, however, described such views as incorrect and incompatible with current world politics.
Furthermore, Putin's words also touched on Russia's economic situation and the problems caused by sanctions. Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the Russian president, said: "Russia is not a paper tiger, but a strong and stable state." According to Peskov, although Russia faces economic difficulties, they stem from sanctions and global instability.
This article not only highlights new developments in international politics but also provides an opportunity to analyze the current direction of Russia's foreign policy.
