Putin Criticizes US Tariff Decisions
Russian President Vladimir Putin has openly criticized US tariff policies, particularly those imposed by former President Donald Trump, amid ongoing trade tensions. Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club, Putin highlighted the irony of US reliance on Russian uranium despite sanctions and tariffs.
Russia is the second-largest uranium supplier to the US, expected to earn $1.2 billion in 2025.
60% of US nuclear fuel comes from a US-European company, while Russia supplies 25%.
In 2024, Russia earned approximately $800 million from uranium sales to the US, with projections exceeding that in 2025.
India-Russia Trade and Oil
Putin also addressed India-Russia trade, warning that if India stops buying Russian oil, it could incur losses of $9–10 billion. He emphasized:
Indians monitor their leaders’ decisions and would not bow to external pressure.
Without Russian oil, global oil prices could rise above $100 per barrel.
India could purchase more agricultural products and medicines from Russia to correct trade imbalances.
Putin described PM Modi as a friend and expressed confidence in communication ahead of his December visit to India.
America’s Double Standards
Putin took aim at the US, criticizing the hypocrisy of:
Pressuring India not to buy Russian energy while continuing to buy Russian uranium
Trump’s tariffs on India (25–50%) aimed at punishing oil purchases from Russia
The US itself importing chemicals, uranium, and fertilizers from Russia
Western Trade with Russia
Recent data reveals:
EU’s trade with Russia in 2024 was $68 billion
US imports included uranium hexafluoride for nuclear power and palladium for electric vehicles
This trade continued despite allegations that countries were profiting from the Russia-Ukraine war
Final Word
Putin’s remarks underline geopolitical trade complexities and highlight global dependence on Russian resources. His criticism of US tariffs exposes double standards while reinforcing Russia’s role in global energy and uranium markets.
