"Russia is the leader in reserves of a number of strategic raw materials, namely natural gas that is nearly 22% of the world's reserves, gold at nearly 23%, and diamonds at nearly 55%. Mikhail Vladimirovich [Prime Minister Mishustin], I have a request for you to look, please, at some types of goods that we supply in large quantities to the world market. Supplies of a number of goods are limited to us, but maybe we should also think about certain restrictions; uranium, titanium, nickel. Just do not do anything to our detriment," Putin told several cabinet ministers on Wednesday, as the Russian news agency Interfax reported.

Putin said, "Strategic reserves are being created in some countries, and some other measures are being taken," adding, "In general, if this will not harm us, then we could think - I am not saying that we need to do this tomorrow - think about certain restrictions on deliveries to the foreign market, not only of the goods that I have named, but also of some others."