Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday criticized the United States for its “aggressive” actions in the Middle East, attributing them to increasing geopolitical risks.
During an investment conference hosted by VTB, Russia’s second-largest bank, Putin emphasized the inevitability of developing new logistics routes driven by economic growth, trade expansion, and geopolitical uncertainties.
Citing the Suez Canal as an example, he noted a decline in cargo traffic, describing the situation as “regrettable” from Russia’s perspective. He attributed this shift to geopolitical tensions, specifically pointing to the US’s active and aggressive policies in the Middle East, which he claimed have provoked resistance in the region.
Putin explained that such geopolitical challenges are disrupting economies and logistics networks, forcing many shippers to reroute their vessels around Africa.
Addressing recent remarks by US President-elect Donald Trump about imposing a 100% tariff on BRICS nations moving away from the US dollar in international trade, Putin remarked on “certain changes” in the global and American economies over recent years. He accused Trump’s successors and political opponents of undermining the dollar’s status as a global reserve currency, alleging that the US government now wields the dollar as a tool against those it deems adversaries.
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