Russia Responds to Potential 500% Tariffs from the US

Russia's Stance on US Tariffs

Sergei Ryabkov, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, stated that Moscow is prepared to adjust if the United States implements secondary tariffs of 500% on its trading partners. He emphasized that such punitive actions would not undermine Russia's sovereignty, as reported by a news outlet.

During a press briefing on Thursday, Ryabkov addressed inquiries regarding the proposed tariffs, indicating that while new measures would necessitate further analysis, they would not significantly alter the current situation.

He pointed out that over 30,000 sanctions have already been levied against Russia by various nations. Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump expressed strong consideration for legislation that would impose these substantial tariffs.

The proposed legislation, introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham, aims to pressure Moscow into making concessions related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Following the escalation of the Ukraine crisis in 2022, Western countries began implementing extensive sanctions targeting critical sectors of the Russian economy.

Moscow has consistently condemned these sanctions as unlawful and ineffective. President Vladimir Putin, speaking at a recent summit, remarked that the sanctions are inflicting more harm on the West than on Russia, stating, 'The more sanctions are imposed, the greater the damage to the imposers.'

Putin also noted that these Western restrictions have transformed the Russian economy, allowing domestic companies to fill the void left by foreign firms. He asserted, 'Ultimately, these sanctions have changed the quality of the Russian economy.'

Despite facing unprecedented sanctions, Russian officials assert that the country has become more resilient and will not be swayed by external economic pressures to change its domestic or foreign policies.