Putin responded to Trump's statements during his speech at 'Valdai', assuring that Russian troops are actively advancing in Ukraine to create a 'security zone'. 'If we are progressing so confidently, then we are a paper tiger. What then is NATO?' he asked.
At the same time, Putin also recalled the events of World War II, accusing Poland of mistakes and condemning the criticism of the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact.
Putin's response to Trump and the reminder of historical facts may indicate his attempt to justify Russia's aggressive behavior in the modern world and to spread a negative perception of the West's actions in the past.