US not to lift sanctions against Russia until deal on Ukraine - Bloomberg
Marco Rubio (photo: Getty Images)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration would maintain sanctions on Russia at least until a deal to end the war in Ukraine is reached. He discussed the issue in a phone call with European allies, according to Bloomberg.
Rubio discussed the issue in a phone call with European allies. According to Bloomberg, his statement may provide some relief to European partners who feared that the US might strike a deal with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to ease hostilities in Ukraine and lift the sanctions imposed on Russia by the Biden administration.
Meanwhile, the State Department’s statement did not mention sanctions being part of the conversation but noted that the countries had agreed to remain in close contact as they work toward a long-term resolution to the war in Ukraine.
Earlier in the day, Rubio said that all sides would have to make concessions to reach a deal but emphasized that any such agreement must have the support of all parties involved.
“The goal is to bring an end to this conflict in a way that is fair, enduring, sustainable, and acceptable to all parties involved. That’s what this ongoing engagement is going to be about,” Rubio said.
Bloomberg added that while Moscow has approached the US with a request to ease sanctions, the European Union currently has no plans to soften measures against Russia.
On February 18, US and Russian delegations held talks in Saudi Arabia. US President’s special envoy Steve Witkoff described the negotiations as very positive. Rubio called the meeting the first step on a long and difficult road.
For more on the results of the talks in Saudi Arabia, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.
