US Weighs New Russia Sanctions Amid Stalled Ukraine Peace Talks
The United States is maintaining all current sanctions against Russia and is prepared to consider implementing new ones if peace talks concerning Ukraine fail to progress.
US Stance on Russia
US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, defended the current administration's Ukraine policy, asserting that no concessions have been given to Russia and that President Vladimir Putin has not benefited in any way.
Sanctions as a Tool
Rubio's statements came after criticism that the current policies are emboldening Putin and weakening diplomatic leverage. While the EU has recently placed fresh sanctions, President Trump has been hesitant, as he believes that keeping open communication channels with Russia is valuable for steering them towards the negotiation table.
Trump-Putin Conversation
A recent two-hour phone conversation between Trump and Putin did not produce an immediate resolution. Trump expressed optimism regarding Putin's desire for peace but delayed judgment on Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's commitment, stating that he needed more time to assess the situation.
