Economic pressure forces Putin to consider raising taxes — NATO Secretary General
Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly considering raising taxes in response to US sanctions, which are exerting significant economic pressure on Russia, according to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in an interview with El Pais.
The sanctions, targeting Russia’s largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, affect not only Russia but also countries that do business with it, including China and India.
Rutte noted that such economic pressure could influence public opinion in Russia regarding the continuation of the war in Ukraine. “Raising taxes is always unpopular, which indicates serious problems in the country’s economy,” he said. The growing discontent among society may also impact the elite’s support for Putin’s policies.
Meanwhile, Romanian Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan reported that three companies have expressed interest in acquiring Lukoil’s Romanian assets, which are subject to US sanctions. Analysts estimate that Lukoil could lose up to €14 billion due to the cancellation of its agreement with Swiss trader Gunvor, effectively paralyzing its foreign operations.
