Rubio says U.S. holding off on new Russia sanctions

The United States is not planning to impose additional sanctions on Russia for now, aiming instead to keep diplomatic channels open to pursue a peace deal, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

Speaking to Politico during the NATO summit in The Hague, Rubio stressed that applying more economic pressure at this stage could jeopardize ongoing efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire.

“If we did what everybody here wants us to do, and that is come in and crush them with more sanctions, we probably lose our ability to talk to them about the ceasefire - and then who’s talking to them?” Rubio said.

He added that President Donald Trump will “know the right time and place” for any new sanctions, suggesting that the administration is seeking to balance diplomatic leverage with congressional oversight. According to Rubio, The White House is already working with lawmakers to ensure the president has enough flexibility to act when necessary.

“If there’s an opportunity for us to make a difference and get them [Russia] to the table, we’re going to take it,” he said, pointing to current back-channel communications involving third-party mediators.

Rubio’s remarks come amid increased calls for tougher action against Moscow, particularly following its recent strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure. However, the Trump administration’s position reflects a broader strategy to avoid measures that could derail ongoing ceasefire negotiations brokered by the U.S. and its partners.

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