MOSCOW, April 3. /TASS/. Russia is not shocked by US President Donald Trump's threats to impose secondary tariffs on its oil, as similar actions have been seen previously, but Moscow will stay steadfast and patient in articulating its stance, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated.
"As a matter of fact, we were not surprised, this has occurred before," he told The International Affairs Journal.
"The only way to address this situation is to remain steadfast, patient, and explain the core of the approach in a logical, comprehensible, and coherent manner. Of course, in line with what is happening, as they say, on the ground."
Ryabkov stated that even during Trump's first term, Russia "noted and remembered" the distinct patterns of US behavior when desired results were not quickly achieved. "In the absence of immediate results, Washington would completely alter its rhetoric, and soon after, practical actions would contradict the initial stance," he said.
An old tune on a political organ
Ryabkov observed that this trend is repeating, and in Trump's second term, Moscow is already witnessing "an immediate, very swift shift in approach, particularly in terms of providing military aid to Kiev."
"This reflects the ability to change registers on this geopolitical instrument, but the theme remains the same, it is Make America Great Again," Ryabkov concluded.
About the proposed secondary duties
Earlier, Trump promised to impose secondary restrictive tariffs on Russian oil if Moscow rejects his proposed peace deal for Ukraine. According to the American president, countries buying oil from Moscow will be prohibited from doing business in the United States, while the tariffs will range from 25 to 50%.