Putin Fires Back After Trump Calls Russia a ‘Paper Tiger’; Moscow Tests Nuclear-Powered Burevestnik Missile

Tensions between Washington and Moscow have escalated once again after former U.S. President Donald Trump mocked Russia as a “paper tiger.” In a swift and forceful response, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the successful test of the nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, calling it a weapon “like no other in the world.”

On Sunday, the Kremlin confirmed that the Burevestnik—a nuclear-powered, long-range cruise missile—had been successfully tested. Russian officials claimed the missile can penetrate any defense system on Earth, asserting that it represents a major leap in Moscow’s strategic capabilities.

Putin, often described as the “iron man” of Russia, emphasized that the missile’s deployment will proceed “without delay.” The Russian leader called the weapon “unstoppable” and “unmatched,” signaling a bold step in the ongoing nuclear arms competition.

Meanwhile, Trump, never one to hold back, responded with fresh criticism. Referring to the war in Ukraine, he argued that Moscow should focus on ending the conflict instead of showing off new weapons. “A war that should have ended in a week is now in its fourth year,” Trump said in an audio message released by the White House on Monday.

Speaking to reporters, Trump also issued a warning: “The United States has the greatest nuclear submarines in the world. They wouldn’t even need to travel 8,000 miles to reach Moscow’s shores.” He added that missile testing is something the U.S. does regularly, implying that Washington remains unmatched in military might.

Trump has repeatedly urged an end to the war in Ukraine, which he described as Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II. He further warned that if Putin continues to prolong the war, a future Trump administration would consider targeting key sectors of the Russian economy with additional sanctions.

As both leaders trade verbal and technological blows, global observers warn that renewed nuclear rhetoric between Washington and Moscow could once again raise Cold War-era tensions to alarming levels.