Exemption from Trump’s reciprocal tariff ‘does not mean anything’ to Russia; Kremlin requires substantial steps to respond favourably: Top Moschow think tank chief

Russian experts from IOS in Moscow discuss the need for substantial steps from the Trump administration in bilateral relations.

Exemption from reciprocal tariff from the United States “does not mean anything” for Russia as the Trump administration needs to undertake more substantial steps to send a positive sign to Kremlin, said leading commentators from the Institute of Oriental Studies (IOS) in Moscow informing that Trump administration is holding back-channel talks with Russia to ensure next big bilateral move.  Speaking to The Hindu, Director of IOS said that Russia wants to develop “mutually beneficial relation” with the U.S. but that has not happened so far and as a result Russia is taking decisive steps to develop strong ties with countries of the Global South, especially India, China, Gulf and southeast Asia.

“There is practically no trade and commerce taking place with the United States at the moment. The sanctions imposed on Russia have removed those chances. There is nothing in the form of commercial contact between the two sides. Tehrefore, exemption from reciprocal tariff mean nothing to Russia. They should unfreeze the Russian money that they have frozen in western banks and prevent Ukraine from using western satellites to target Russian soldiers and military infrastructure,” said Alikber K. Alikberov here on Friday. He however clarified that there are several ‘meeting points’ between Russia and the Trump administration at the policy level.

Also read | Top Russian official in Washington for talks on improving ties

He pointed out that since the arrival of the Trump administration there have been several recent steps by the that are giving hope of finding a solution to  the Ukraine crisis. “Because of these policies of the Trump administration, Germany has been greatly weakened. At the same time, EU is facing pressure from Washington DC. Thirdly, he is also putting pressure on EU through his position on Greenland – these factors obviously find our approval,”

Speaking in an exclusive chat, Dr. Alikberov clarified that Russia is “aware” that much of support structure that Ukraine has been using to counter Russian moves on the ground are results of U.S. and European support adding, “They should stop giving that sort of support first if they are serious about sending a positive message to Moscow. Citing Russia’s state emblem of a double-headed eagle, Dr Alikberov said, “One of the two eagle-heads that was to look at the Eurasian origin of Russia was not activated earlier. But now we are fully aware of the potential that Russia’s friendship with India, China and others in Euroasia can deliver.”

Nikolay Plotnikov, head of the  Centre of Scientific and Analytical Information of the Institute of Oriental Studies (IOS) said that Russia wants “substantial” steps from the Trump administration and , back channel talks are going on to ensure that those decision follow soon. “It is true that we have no trade contact as of now but we have not shut the door to dialogue and that is why we have been in touch with the U.S. back channel teams. Our team members will hold the next round of discussion next week with the US team in Istanbul” said, Dr. Plotnikov who urged India to play a more direct role to break the deadlock between US and Russia.