Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Western nations of using the Ukraine conflict as a “pretext” to impose punitive economic measures not only on Moscow but also on countries engaged in trade with Russia.
Speaking to reporters after his four-day visit to China, Putin dismissed the claim that the Ukraine war justified recent tariffs and sanctions, arguing that these steps were politically motivated and unrelated to the conflict.
“The Ukraine situation is only a pretext to take various steps against countries that have economic ties with us,” Putin said when asked about Europe’s planned sanctions targeting Russia and its trading partners.
The Russian leader cited the U.S. decision to impose tariffs on Brazil earlier in August as an example, stressing that such measures had no connection to Ukraine. He argued that the underlying issue was trade imbalances between Western economies — particularly the United States — and emerging powers like India, China, and Brazil.
“There is a trade disproportion between the United States and India or China. But what does Ukraine have to do with tariffs on Brazil? Nothing. These are domestic political issues that should be solved through negotiations,” he added.
Putin’s comments come amid escalating global trade tensions triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. India, in particular, faces steep duties, including a 50% tariff on its exports and an additional 25% penalty linked to its purchase of Russian crude oil — a move Washington claims indirectly supports Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine.
