Putin Cites 20% US-Russia Trade Increase Under Trump Amid Sanctions

Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted a 20% growth in bilateral trade between Russia and the United States since President Donald Trump took office in 2025, marking a reversal after years of decline due to geopolitical tensions over Ukraine. Speaking after a summit with Trump in Alaska, Putin emphasized the potential for broader cooperation in areas such as trade, digital technology, high tech, space exploration, and Arctic collaboration, particularly between Russia's Far East and the U.S. West Coast. Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine and Western sanctions, Putin expressed optimism about expanding investment and business ties with the U.S., describing the recent meeting as a starting point for improving relations. The summit, however, did not yield immediate progress on halting the conflict in Ukraine. Trump's administration has simultaneously imposed significant tariffs on countries, such as India, for their continued purchase of Russian oil, reflecting the complexity of U.S.-Russia relations amid the war. Both leaders appeared cordial during the talks, with Putin even suggesting a future meeting in Moscow.