Putin says Russia may restrict supplies of strategic raw materials to foreign markets

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Moscow may restrict the supply of some critical chemical elements to foreign markets, particularly referring to uranium, titanium and nickel.

Speaking at a televised government meeting in Moscow, Putin said Russia is the leader in reserves with regards to a number of strategic raw materials such as natural gas, gold and diamonds, for which he noted Moscow holds almost 22%, 23% and 55% of the world’s reserves, respectively.

Putin ordered Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to look at some types of goods that Russia supplies to the world market in large quantities.

“Maybe we should think about certain restrictions? Uranium, titanium, nickel. We just don't need to do anything to harm ourselves,” he said.

He added that they could think of restrictions with regards to other commodities as well.