US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told European allies that sanctions against Russia will remain in force at least until an agreement is reached to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. About this informs Bloomberg.
In a phone call, Rubio confirmed to European colleagues that the restrictions would not be lifted early. The dialogue took place immediately after the negotiations of American representatives with the Russian delegation in Saudi Arabia.
Sanctions against Russia, which cover its central bank, major energy companies, high-ranking officials and oligarchs, are a key element of international pressure on the Kremlin. Most of these restrictions were introduced in cooperation with European partners.
If the US decides to ease sanctions pressure early, it could undermine Europe’s efforts to limit funding for Russia’s war against Ukraine. Rubio’s assurances that the sanctions will remain in place may provide some reassurance to European countries that have feared a change in US policy.
At the same time, Rubio previously stated that the easing of sanctions would be part of the peace agreement:
“There are sanctions that were introduced as a result of this conflict. To put an end to any conflict, all parties must make concessions.”
