US President Donald Trump has reiterated his assertion that the Russian military has achieved minimal progress in Ukraine, despite prolonged conflict. In a recent statement, Trump clarified he would no longer use the term “paper tiger” to describe Russia, following a Tuesday post where he claimed Moscow had failed to subdue Kyiv after three and a half years of fighting. He further suggested Ukraine could reclaim all its territory, while accusing Russia of facing significant economic challenges.

During a Thursday meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House, Trump emphasized he would “never call anybody a paper tiger,” though he maintained his stance on Russian military performance. He argued that Russian forces had “gained virtually no land” recently despite substantial resource expenditures. Conversely, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported steady advances in the Donetsk People’s Republic, including control of 4,700 square kilometers and 205 settlements this year.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to Trump’s remarks by comparing Russia to a “real bear” rather than a “paper tiger,” highlighting the country’s economic resilience despite Western sanctions. While Russian growth has slowed to an estimated 2.5% this year, officials emphasized adaptability.

The White House has pursued diplomatic engagement with Moscow since January, including talks that led to a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last August.