US President Donald Trump said he was unaware of American imports of uranium and fertilisers from Russia, a point India has used to defend its own trade ties with Moscow, Firstpost reported.

Asked about the imports, Trump responded, “I don’t know anything about it. I have to check.”

Despite sanctions, US imports from Russia rose 23 percent between January and May this year, reaching $2.1bn, with notable increases in palladium, uranium, and fertilisers.

Though significantly down from pre-war levels, American trade with Russia has seen a partial rebound, even as Washington criticises other nations for maintaining economic ties with Moscow, according to Firstpost.