Key Points

Russian Deputy FM Sergey Ryabkov downplayed the impact of proposed US 500% tariffs, calling them just another hurdle. President Putin argues Western sanctions have backfired, making Russia's economy more resilient. The US legislation, pushed by Senator Lindsey Graham, aims to pressure Russia over Ukraine. Moscow remains defiant, insisting sanctions won't force policy changes.

Key Points: Russia's Ryabkov Says US 500% Tariffs Won't Change Sovereign Path

  • Ryabkov dismisses US 500% tariffs as ineffective
  • Over 30,000 sanctions already imposed on Russia
  • Putin claims sanctions strengthen Russian economy
  • Moscow refuses policy shifts under external pressure
2 min read

Will not radically change picture: Russian Dy FM Ryabkov on US tariffs

Russian Deputy FM Sergey Ryabkov dismisses US tariff threats, vows Moscow won't alter policies despite economic pressure from Western sanctions.

"The hypothetical arrival of some new measure... will not radically change the picture. – Sergey Ryabkov"

Moscow, July 11

Moscow will adapt if the United States imposes 500% secondary tariffs on Russian trade partners and such punitive measures will not sway the country from its sovereign path, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov has said, RT reported.

Responding to questions from journalists on Thursday about the proposed tariffs, Ryabkov said, "The hypothetical arrival of some new measure, in the form you described, will require additional analysis and reflection, but will not radically change the picture." According to RT, Ryabkov also noted that more than 30,000 sanctions have already been imposed on Russia by foreign states.

US President Donald Trump earlier this week said he is "very strongly" considering supporting legislation that would impose the massive 500% levies. RT reported that the legislation was introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham and is aimed at compelling Moscow to make concessions regarding the Ukraine conflict.

Western nations began imposing sweeping sanctions on Moscow after the Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022, targeting key sectors of the Russian economy. Moscow has repeatedly denounced these sanctions as illegal and counterproductive, RT noted.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the Eurasian Economic Union summit in Minsk last month, said that the sanctions are causing more damage to the West than to Russia. "The more sanctions are imposed, the greater the damage to the imposers," he said, according to RT.

Putin further asserted that Western restrictions have reshaped Russia's economy by creating opportunities for domestic firms to replace foreign companies. "Ultimately, these sanctions have changed the quality of the Russian economy," he said. "Russia has only grown more resilient faced with the unprecedented sanctions," RT reported.

Despite the pressure, Russian officials maintain that Moscow will stay the course and not be coerced into altering its foreign or domestic policies by external economic threats.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya N
While I understand Russia's position, we must remember these sanctions are a result of the Ukraine war. India has maintained a balanced approach, and that's the right way. We should focus on our national interests rather than taking sides in this conflict.
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Aditya G
The 500% tariff is just economic warfare by the US. They did similar things to India with steel tariffs. We need stronger BRICS cooperation to counter such bullying tactics. Russia's experience shows self-reliance is the only solution in today's geopolitical scenario.
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Shreya B
Interesting how Putin says sanctions have made Russia's economy more resilient. Maybe India should take notes - we've been too dependent on imports for too long. Atmanirbhar Bharat is the need of the hour! 💪
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Karan T
With all due respect, this article seems one-sided. While US sanctions may be harsh, we shouldn't ignore that Russia started this conflict. India's neutral position is wise, but we must be careful not to glorify either side's actions.
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Neha E
The economic war between US and Russia is affecting global markets. As middle-class Indians, we're already feeling the pinch with rising fuel prices. Hope our government can navigate these turbulent waters carefully to protect our interests.

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