In a move that underscores a striking contradiction, the United States is preparing a major trade agreement with Russia even as it enforces steep tariffs on India and threatens the European Union over digital taxes. This development comes amid reports of ongoing discussions between Washington and Moscow, signaling a significant shift in US policy toward Russia, despite the continuing Ukraine conflict.
According to Reuters, US and Russian authorities have held trade talks in parallel with efforts to mediate peace between Ukraine and Russia. The Trump administration is also working to encourage Moscow to agree to a ceasefire. As part of these talks, the return of American energy giant Exxon Mobil to Russia, after suspending operations in 2022 following the war, is reportedly on the table.
Sources indicate that Washington is considering easing sanctions imposed on Russia in 2022, paving the way for renewed energy cooperation. Under the emerging framework, Russia is expected to purchase technical equipment from the United States for liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects. Exxon Mobil is set to revive its role in Russia’s Sakhalin-1 oil and gas venture, while Russia will also acquire American equipment for the Arctic LNG-2 project. In a reciprocal move, the US will buy nuclear-powered icebreaker ships from Russia.
The report notes that neither the Trump administration, Exxon Mobil, nor the Russian government has officially commented on these developments. However, the talks are said to have advanced during US Representative Steve Witkoff’s visit to Russia earlier this month, where he met President Vladimir Putin. Additional discussions reportedly took place during a Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska on August 15.
At the same time, Trump continues to press ahead with punitive tariffs on India for its purchase of Russian crude oil. The 50% import duty, comprising a 25% penalty surcharge, takes effect today at 9:30 a.m. Indian Standard Time. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant recently stated that India’s substantial imports of Russian oil undermine US efforts to isolate Moscow and prolong the Ukraine conflict by providing financial support.
Market reactions were swift as the deadline for tariffs approached. Crude oil prices dipped on expectations that India might scale back Russian oil imports. WTI crude fell 0.08% to $63.20 per barrel, while Brent slipped 0.06% to $67.18. In contrast, gold prices surged, climbing to $3,393 per ounce from $3,380.
Trump Targets EU Over Digital Taxes While Shielding US Interests
Meanwhile, Trump has issued fresh threats against countries imposing digital taxes on American tech firms. His warning targets European Union nations such as France, Italy, and Spain, along with the UK’s Digital Services Tax. Trump argues that these taxes unfairly harm US technology companies and has vowed to impose heavy additional tariffs on exports to America if they are not withdrawn. He also signaled potential restrictions on high-protection technology and chip exports.
This hardline stance follows a previous confrontation with Canada, which eventually repealed its digital tax after US pressure. However, European governments contend that major tech corporations reap massive profits in their markets without paying adequate taxes.
These developments reveal the hypocrisy and double standards of the United States and the Trump administration, criticizing others for ties with Russia while secretly pursuing their own deals, punishing countries like India and the long ally EU while rewarding Moscow, and portraying themselves as defenders of fairness while acting with sheer selfishness. Such actions expose a pattern of deceit, where Washington’s global rhetoric masks its own opportunistic and self-serving strategies.
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