Trump blasts Russia as 'paper tiger' and highlights key failing

Donald Trump Shifts Tone on Ukraine as Kyiv Strikes Deep Into Russia

Overnight Drone Strikes Shake Russia

Ukraine launched a fresh wave of drone attacks overnight, striking deep inside Russian territory and targeting critical energy infrastructure. Explosions rocked several regions, with the most dramatic strike hitting the Gazprom Neftekhim petrochemical plant in Salavat, Bashkortostan — nearly 850 miles from Ukraine’s border. Thick black smoke poured into the sky, underscoring another failure in Russia’s air defense systems.

The Salavat refinery had already been hit less than a week earlier, highlighting the growing reach of Kyiv’s drone campaign. Russia’s regional governor, Radiy Khabirov, confirmed emergency crews were battling to contain the blaze, while authorities admitted the full extent of the damage was still being assessed.

Further south, drone interceptions caused blasts near Volgograd, forcing a temporary airport shutdown. Cross-border strikes also hit Belgorod and Kursk, where power outages spread across five districts. Local officials reported injuries at industrial facilities, some linked to military production, and shared images of large fires tearing through the area.

Trump’s “Paper Tiger” Remark

As Kyiv struck inside Russia, U.S. President Donald Trump delivered his strongest pro-Ukraine message since returning to the White House. In sharp contrast to his earlier cautious stance, Trump mocked Russia’s military as a “paper tiger” and argued that Ukraine could reclaim its occupied land with European and NATO support.

“After reviewing the situation closely, I believe Ukraine is in a position to fight and win back its original borders,” Trump declared. He pointed to Russia’s economic struggles, fuel shortages, and battlefield losses, saying Putin’s war effort had become a long, costly quagmire.

His words mark a notable reversal. Earlier this year, Trump suggested that elements of a ceasefire were already in place. Now, however, he is openly praising Ukraine’s “bravery” and signaling stronger Western backing.

Impact on Russia’s Economy

The strikes on oil and gas facilities have delivered painful blows to Russia’s economy. With fuel prices rising and shortages spreading in some regions, the Kremlin faces mounting pressure at home. Analysts estimate that Russia may have lost over one million troops during the three-year conflict, while drone raids continue to expose gaps in its defenses.

For ordinary Russians, long fuel lines and surging costs are becoming daily reminders of the toll of war. Trump highlighted this in his remarks, warning that Putin’s strategy is draining billions while undermining Russia’s global image.

Escalation on Both Sides

Despite suffering these setbacks, Moscow responded with new strikes on Ukrainian cities. Kharkiv endured 18 kamikaze drone attacks overnight, leaving homes, shops, and power infrastructure destroyed. Mayor Ihor Terekhov described the damage as “serious,” while local leaders condemned Russia’s strategy of terrorizing civilian areas.

Zaporizhzhia also came under fire, with families displaced by overnight shelling. Ukrainian officials reported at least seven deaths and more than two dozen injuries in the latest wave of Russian attacks.

Zelensky Welcomes Trump’s Shift

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Trump’s stronger tone after their meeting in New York. Calling the discussions “very positive,” Zelensky expressed hope that U.S. support would remain steadfast until the war’s conclusion.

“Trump and America will be with us until the end,” Zelensky said. “These are very positive signals, and I pray they remain true.”

A Turning Point?

Trump’s remarks could signal a shift in Washington’s approach to the conflict. By openly dismissing Russia as a weakened force and reaffirming support for Kyiv, he is aligning more closely with European allies. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s expanding drone campaign is proving capable of hitting Russia’s economic lifelines, raising questions about how long Moscow can sustain its war effort.

As the conflict stretches into its fourth year, the dual pressure of battlefield losses and economic strain may test Vladimir Putin like never before. Whether Trump’s renewed stance translates into concrete U.S. policy changes remains to be seen — but for Ukraine, it is a boost in morale at a critical time.