Russia’s Medvedev proposes tariffs on exports to EU in retaliation

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev on Saturday proposed imposing tariffs on Russian exports, including fertilizers, to the European Union. The move would be a retaliatory response to Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal’s call to tax Russian imports to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction. Medvedev, who served as Russian president from 2008 to 2012, stated that Moscow “should respond in kind” to Estonia’s proposal.

Escalating trade tensions

“Let their food prices go up, while we get more missiles, drones, and heavy guided bombs for the special military operation!” Medvedev wrote on the Russian social media platform Max. The statement signals Moscow’s willingness to weaponize its export commodities as tensions with the West continue to escalate over the war in Ukraine.

EU adopts 20th sanctions package

The European Union adopted its 20th package of sanctions against Russia on Thursday, introducing new measures targeting energy, finance, trade, defense, and anti-circumvention efforts. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the bloc is also preparing its 21st sanctions package, signaling sustained pressure on Moscow and continued support for Kyiv. Medvedev’s tariff proposal appears to be a direct response to the mounting economic restrictions.