U.S. Sanctions on Russia to Stay Until War in Ukraine Ends, Bloomberg Says

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured European allies that the Trump administration will not lift sanctions on Russia until a deal to end the war in Ukraine is reached, Bloomberg reported on February 19.

Rubio discussed the issue during a phone call with European counterparts, seeking to ease concerns that Washington might strike a deal with Vladimir Putin that would reduce hostilities in Ukraine in exchange for sanctions relief.

Following recent high-level talks between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, Russia’s delegation stated that sanctions relief “was not a subject of discussion.”

The U.S. State Department, however, did not clarify whether the issue was raised but confirmed that both sides agreed to maintain close contact in efforts toward a long-term ceasefire.

Despite Moscow’s reported push for sanctions relief, the European Union has no plans to ease restrictions on Russia at this time.

European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis gave a clear response, emphasizing that Brussels will pursue its own sanctions policy independently of the Trump administration’s decisions.

“Given the policy direction of the new U.S. administration, the EU must take its security into its own hands—including its sanctions policy. As you know, work is already underway on the 16th sanctions package,” Dombrovskis stated.