Kremlin Rejects Trump’s ‘Paper Tiger’ Label, Calls Russia a ‘Real Bear’

Russia is not a “paper tiger” but closer to a bear, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with RBC, dismissing U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks.

“Russia is definitely not a tiger. After all, Russia is more often compared to a bear. There are no ‘paper bears,’ and Russia is a real bear,” Peskov stated, underscoring Moscow’s rejection of the label.

His comments come in response to Trump’s characterization of Russia as a “paper tiger,” a description suggesting weakness. The Kremlin insists instead on portraying Russia as a powerful and enduring force in global affairs.