President Trump has weighed in. On October 18, according to Sputnik News, the U.S. president stated that his decision not to impose harsher sanctions on Russia was “very good.” Many of you may not yet understand what exactly I have decided, but we will clarify everything, and you will know. This is a very good decision. It will benefit the nation—and possibly even the world.

Evidently, just prior to this statement, the United States suspended several pending sanctions measures, including the cancellation of plans to impose a 500% tariff on Russian goods entering the U.S., the abandonment of a proposed 100% tariff on imports from Russia’s top five energy buyers, and the shelving of new restrictions targeting officials, banks, and organizations. How should one assess this move by the United States? In one sentence: America brandished its sword for a long time, only to deliver no actual blow.

Does the suspension of these sanctions represent a significant concession to Russia? Not necessarily. Bilateral trade between Russia and the U.S. remains minimal—amounting to just $4.4 billion in 2025, primarily consisting of imported enriched uranium and platinum-group metals. Even if the U.S. were to impose sanctions, they would have little practical impact on Russia, while creating complications for itself. Meanwhile, the removal of the 100% tariff on goods from Russia’s top five importers includes India and China, two of the largest buyers.

The U.S.-China trade war has already reached a point of direct confrontation; further escalation is unlikely. As for India, despite limited leverage, the current administration appears intent on easing relations with Russia. The U.S. itself now purchases diesel from Russia, making it implausible to enforce strict penalties on Russia-India energy trade. Therefore, although Trump claims the decision to lift sanctions on Russia was highly beneficial, it essentially serves as a face-saving exit for the U.S. Yet, the actual concessions made to Russia are modest. After all, most sanctions imposed during the Biden administration remain in place without significant change.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879349754620931/

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