Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the United States of double standards over its Russia sanctions push, claiming Washington continues to buy nuclear reactor fuel from Moscow while pressuring India to cut its own energy imports. In an exclusive interview with India Today ahead of his two-day India visit, Putin argued that New Delhi should not be denied the same energy-trade rights enjoyed by the US.
“The US continues to buy nuclear fuel from us for their nuclear power plants. That is also fuel. This is uranium for nuclear power plants that are functioning in the US,” Putin told India Today. He added that the issue would be raised directly in discussions with US President Donald Trump.
‘Prepared to discuss fuel issues with Trump’
Russia is the world’s second-largest supplier of enriched uranium to the United States, expected to earn nearly $1.2 billion from uranium exports to American utilities this year. Framing the matter as a question of strategic fairness, the Russian leader said India must be treated with equal respect.
“If the US has the right to purchase fuel from us, why should India be deprived of such a right? That is a matter to be studied closely and we are prepared to discuss that and debate that with President Trump,” he said.
Putin on Ukraine peace plan by US
Putin has said several elements of a US-backed proposal aimed at ending the war in Ukraine cannot be accepted by Moscow. His comments came after what he described as “necessary” but “difficult” five-hour talks in the Kremlin earlier this week with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Trump has launched the most intense diplomatic effort yet to halt the conflict, which is nearing its fourth year since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Putin, speaking to India Today, suggested progress was mixed. “This was a necessary conversation, a very concrete one,” Putin said. He added that while Russia is prepared to engage with some provisions in the proposal, other elements are “unacceptable” to the Kremlin.