Trump Labels Russia 'Paper Tiger,' Asserts Ukraine Can Reclaim All Territory

President Donald Trump has described Russia as a "paper tiger" and expressed confidence that Ukraine can reclaim all its occupied territories with support from Europe and NATO. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that, given Russia's economic difficulties, Ukraine is positioned to "fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form."

Trump criticized Russia's prolonged military campaign in Ukraine, suggesting that a "real military power" would have achieved its objectives in less than a week. He noted that Russia's ongoing struggles make it appear as a "paper tiger."

The Kremlin responded to Trump's remarks with restraint. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the "paper tiger" label, emphasizing that Russia is traditionally associated with a bear, not a tiger. Peskov also stated that the belief Ukraine can reclaim territory through military action is mistaken.

Trump's comments mark a significant shift in his stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Previously, he had suggested that Ukraine might need to make territorial concessions to achieve peace. Now, he advocates for Ukraine's full territorial restoration, contingent on European and NATO support.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Trump's statements, viewing them as a positive development in U.S. support for Ukraine's efforts to reclaim its territory.