"Trump's Tariff Decisions Spark Debate Amidst Russia's Sanctions Landscape"

Critics highlight the contrast between Russia’s sanctioned status and the inclusion of less-traded countries.

In a surprising move, Russia has been left off former President Donald Trump’s newly announced tariff list targeting US trade partners. According to Axios, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that existing US sanctions against Russia render any significant trade impossible, which explains its absence from the list. Other nations such as Cuba, Belarus, and North Korea also did not make the cut.

Interestingly, countries with even less trade volume with the US — like Syria which reported only $11 million in exports last year — were included in the tariff list. The United States imposed extensive sanctions on Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Trump’s recent return to the White House has seen him adopt a more conciliatory tone towards Russia, making an end to the ongoing conflict a key priority.

This week, discussions are ongoing as a senior Russian official visits Washington for talks. Trump had recently intimated that if President Vladimir Putin does not agree to a ceasefire, a 50% tariff could be imposed on countries purchasing Russian oil. Russian media opine that the absence of tariff implications reflects not special consideration, but merely the reality of the existing sanctions as stated by state-run outlet Rossiya 24 TV.

Several Kremlin-backed news outlets have voiced disappointment over the lack of tariffs on Russia, referring to remarks made by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Fox News that highlighted the lack of trade with sanctioned entities. Data from the US Trade Representative indicates that imports from Russia in 2024 comprised mainly of fertilizers, nuclear fuel, and certain metals, amounting to $3.5 billion.

Media responses from Russia have included jest, with NTV suggesting that Trump has reduced US allies in Europe to "serfs" receiving little more than complaints. Channels like Zvezda TV have mocked the inclusion of remote territories like Heard Island and McDonald Islands on the tariff list, jesting that "penguins will now have to pay 10% tariffs."

In a related context, Ukraine now faces a 10% tariff on its exports to the US. Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine's first deputy prime minister, expressed concerns that the new tariffs will impact small producers and described ongoing efforts to negotiate more favorable terms. In 2024, Ukraine had exported $874 million worth of goods to the US and imported $3.4 billion. She asserted, "Ukraine has much to offer the United States as a reliable ally and partner. Fair tariffs benefit both countries." Meanwhile, the US continues to provide substantial material support in its ongoing conflict with Russia, with figures ranging between $182.8 billion to $350 billion cited in aid estimations.