Use of Dollar as Foreign Policy Struggle Tool One of US' Biggest Strategic Mistakes - Putin
© Sputnik / Mihail Kutusov
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WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson that the use of the US dollar as a foreign policy struggle instrument is one of the biggest strategic mistakes made by US leadership.
"You know, to use the dollar as a tool of foreign policy struggle is one of the biggest strategic mistakes made by the US political leadership," the Russian president said when asked whether the US dollar is going away as the reserve and universally accepted currency and how sanctions changed the dollar's place in the world.
"The dollar is the cornerstone of the United States power. I think everyone understands very well that no matter how many dollars are printed, they're quickly dispersed all over the world."
"Inflation in the United States is minimal. It's about 3 or 3.4%, which is, I think, totally acceptable for the US. But they won't stop printing. What does the debt of $33 trillion tell us about? It is about the emission. Nevertheless, it is the main weapon used by the United States to preserve its power across the world," Putin pointed out.
Robert Kennedy Jr. commented on Vladimir Putin's interview with Tucker Carlson, noting the Democrats' dissatisfaction with the fact that the journalist was simply doing his job.
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) February 9, 2024
"Americans can handle thought-provoking conversations. We can handle dangerous thoughts or contrary… pic.twitter.com/SjTiUsb7AO
"As soon as the political leadership decided to use the US dollar as a tool of political struggle, a blow was dealt to this American power. I would not like to use any strong language, but it is a stupid thing to do and a grave mistake."
"Look at what is going on in the world. Even the United States allies are now downsizing their dollar reserves. Seeing this, everyone starts looking for ways to protect themselves. But the fact that the United States applies restrictive measures to certain countries, such as placing restrictions on transactions, freezing assets, etc., causes grave concern and sends a signal to the whole world," Putin underscored.
He further said that some 80% of Russia's foreign trade transactions were made in US dollars and euros until 2022, and tht the US dollar "accounted for approximately 50% of our transactions with third countries," but now the dollar's share in Russia's transactions is only about 13%.
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— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) February 9, 2024
"Who blew up Nord Stream?" the reporter asked.
"You for sure," the president replied.
"I was busy that day. I did not blow up Nord Stream. Thank you though," Carlson said.
"You… pic.twitter.com/gtYvbDTptd
"We had no such intention. It was the decision of the United States to restrict our transactions in US dollars. I think it is complete foolishness from the point of view of the interests of the United States itself and its taxpayers, as it damages the US economy, [and] undermines the power of the United States across the world," Putin said.
By doing so, Washington "probably thought it would lead to full collapse" of Russia's economy, the president said, highlighting that "nothing collapsed."
❗️ #NATO countries are trying to frighten their populations with an imaginary Russian threat, it's fake, #Putin stressed. pic.twitter.com/JmUI48bpdK
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) February 8, 2024
On the contrary, the president said the share of Russia's transactions in yuan has risen to "a little over 34%" from 3%, adding that "other countries, including oil producers, are thinking of and already accepting payments for oil in yuan."
Putin was speaking in Russian during the interview and the quotes are from Carlson’s official translation in English.
