Kremlin Monitors US Statements on Sanctions, Claims Resilience
Russian officials stated on Wednesday they are closely following remarks by US president Donald Trump concerning sanctions against Moscow, asserting that the country has grown resistant to such measures due to years of experience. On Tuesday, Trump announced that the US would impose tariffs and other restrictions on Russia within 10 days if no progress was made toward ending the conflict in Ukraine, now in its fourth year.
“For a long time, we have functioned under extensive sanctions, with our economy adapting to numerous limitations,” said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. “Naturally, we have developed a degree of immunity in this regard, while still taking note of all statements from President Trump and other international figures.”
Zelenskyy Approves Key Weapons Agreement Principles
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Wednesday that he had finalized essential terms for major defense deals with the United States. “These are significant agreements, which I discussed with President Trump, and I sincerely hope we can execute them in full,” Zelenskyy said in his nightly address. He stated the agreements would benefit both nations but did not elaborate further.
Security Services Arrest Alleged Spy in Air Force
Ukrainian authorities reported on Wednesday that an air force officer had been detained on suspicion of sharing classified information with Russia, including the positions of F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighter jets. The accused, a major serving as a flight instructor, allegedly provided coordinates and strategic advice to aid Russian airstrikes, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
Russian Delegation in Switzerland Draws Criticism
More than 200 opponents of the Russian government, including former political detainees, condemned the presence of a high-level Moscow delegation in Switzerland on Wednesday, accusing European nations of welcoming officials linked to the war in Ukraine. Concerns have grown among critics of Russian leader Vladimir Putin that Western powers may be moving toward normalizing ties with Moscow despite the ongoing conflict.
The delegation, headed by Valentina Matvienko, chair of Russia’s upper parliamentary house, arrived in Geneva on Sunday for a three-day assembly of global legislators. Matvienko and two other Russian attendees are under EU and international sanctions.
“As Matvienko, Tolstoi, and Slutsky participate in Geneva, Russian forces continue missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, resulting in civilian casualties, including women and children,” the critics stated.
Trump Announces New Tariffs on India
President Trump declared on Wednesday that a 25% tariff would be applied to Indian imports, along with an added trade levy starting Friday, citing India’s oil purchases from Russia as prolonging the conflict in Ukraine. He noted that India consistently acquires most of its military hardware from Russia and is, alongside China, the largest consumer of Russian energy, despite global efforts to isolate Moscow economically.
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