US may revoke exemptions to sanctions on Russian oil — Rubio
Photo: Marco Rubio (Getty Images)
Washington is considering the possibility of swiftly revoking the exemptions currently in place under sanctions against Russia’s oil industry, according to a statement from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The American side is interested in ending as quickly as possible the exemptions provided under the sanctions regime against Russian oil.
He made this statement on Tuesday during an appearance before the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, responding to lawmakers’ questions about Washington’s future sanctions policy.
Discussion in the US Senate
During the hearing, Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen asked whether the US intends to extend the current exemptions that allow certain transactions related to Russian oil.
Rubio noted that the final decision on this issue will be made by the US Department of the Treasury. He emphasized that the position would depend on the current circumstances and the situation at the time the decision is made.
Washington’s stance on sanctions
According to the Secretary of State, the overall US strategy involves a gradual tightening of restrictions on Russia’s oil industry.
He said that the existing exemptions are temporary and were introduced to stabilize global energy supplies.
At the same time, Rubio stressed that the US side seeks their swift termination, as sanctions pressure on Russia’s oil sector remains part of Washington’s long-term policy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that any steps toward easing or lifting international sanctions against Russia are the wrong approach to building dialogue. According to him, such decisions could strengthen Russia’s defense industry and military capabilities.
