US does not rule out lifting several sanctions on Russia
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Photo: Getty Images)
Russia, during negotiations with the US regarding the war in Ukraine, is demanding the lifting of a number of sanctions. The American side does not rule out this possibility, but at the same time, the restrictions could be strengthened, according to a press conference by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and an interview with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen.
Specifically, according to Rubio, as a result of the negotiations in Riyadh, the White House received a more detailed definition of what a ceasefire in the energy sector entails, as well as the conditions that need to be met for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in the Black Sea. These conditions concern EU sanctions.
"Some of those conditions include sanctions that are not ours; they belong to the European Union. So we’re going to be gathering and sort of when our folks get back, sitting down, going through the proposals, getting their impressions of the conversations so we can more fully understand what the Russian position is or what their ask is in exchange," he explained.
The head of US diplomacy added that Russia's position will be presented to President Donald Trump, after which a decision will be made on the next steps.
Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen, when asked whether a relaxation of sanctions in exchange for an agreement on a ceasefire in the Black Sea is possible, replied that nothing is excluded. Furthermore, he stated that the US government is ready to consider the possibility of rejoining Russia to the international banking system, SWIFT, in the context of resolving the war in Ukraine.
At the same time, he said that Donald Trump would be willing to intensify sanctions against Russia if it gives him an advantage in negotiations.
"President Trump, I think, would not hesitate to raise the sanctions if it gives him a negotiating advantage," Bessen stated in an interview with Fox News.
The minister added that it is too early to discuss a potential relaxation of sanctions against Russia. He also noted that the tightening or relaxing of restrictions will depend on Russia's future actions.
What Macron says about lifting sanctions on Russia
Yesterday, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that all sanctions could be lifted from Russia. However, this is contingent on Russia returning to the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine.
He explained that if Russia said it was fully returning to the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine the following day, all sanctions would be lifted. He added that it all depended on Russia's choice to comply with international law.
