Medvedev Floats Imposing Tariffs on Russian Exports to EU

(MENAFN) Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev escalated economic tensions with Europe on Saturday, proposing retaliatory tariffs on Russian exports — including fertilizers — to the European Union, firing back at calls from Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal to levy taxes on Russian imports as a mechanism to finance Ukraine's postwar reconstruction.

Medvedev, who held the Russian presidency between 2008 and 2012, declared that Moscow "should respond in kind" to Estonia's proposal, framing the countermeasure as a direct and deliberate retaliation.

"Let their food prices go up, while we get more missiles, drones, and heavy guided bombs for the special military operation!" he wrote on Russian social media platform Max.

The provocative remarks landed just days after the EU moved to tighten its economic grip on Moscow. On Thursday, the European Commission announced the adoption of its 20th sanctions package against Russia — an expansive set of measures targeting the country's energy sector, financial networks, trade flows, defense industry, and efforts to circumvent existing restrictions.

Further signaling that Brussels has no intention of easing pressure, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed the bloc is already advancing preparations for a 21st sanctions package against Russia, underscoring the EU's commitment to sustaining a long-term economic campaign in support of Ukraine.

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