President Trump suggests US sanctions against Russia, which Moscow deems illegitimate, could be addressed during discussions about a potential resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that the US might consider lifting sanctions on Russia “at some point” as part of Ukraine peace negotiations. However, he emphasized that no decision has been made thus far.
Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, the US and other Western countries have imposed extensive economic sanctions on Russia. Russia views these sanctions as illegal and has consistently called for their removal.
“No, we haven’t lifted any sanctions on anybody… I guess it will be at some point, but right now we haven’t agreed to lift sanctions on anybody,” Trump clarified at a press briefing when asked if the topic had been part of Russia-US discussions.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently suggested that Western nations may need to consider easing sanctions on Russia to achieve an “enduring, sustainable” solution to the Ukraine conflict. Following high-level talks between Moscow and Washington in Saudi Arabia last week, he indicated that resolving the conflict would require “concessions made by all sides,” including reconsidering sanctions policies. Rubio also pointed out that the EU’s involvement would be necessary in any discussions about sanctions relief, as it has also implemented restrictive measures against Russia.
Brussels has indicated its intention to maintain an independent sanctions policy, regardless of the US position. EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis stated last week that the EU has no plans to lift sanctions against Moscow, even if the US decides to do so. Earlier this week, the EU adopted its 16th package of restrictions, primarily targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex and energy projects, as well as introducing measures against alleged sanctions circumvention, such as dual-use export restrictions.
Moscow has frequently asserted that sanctions have failed to destabilize or isolate Russia and have instead backfired on the imposing countries. President Vladimir Putin remarked last week that Western sanctions have inadvertently supported Russia’s development. Speaking at the Future Technologies Forum in Moscow, he said that despite the challenges Russia faced due to the measures, they played a “stimulating role,” encouraging stronger collaboration between Russian businesses and science, thereby strengthening the country’s economic and technological sectors.