Amid intense debate about the future of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, U.S. Secretary of State candidate Marco Rubio suggested that sanctions against Russia could be reconsidered. In an interview on Wednesday, Rubio emphasized that sanctions serve as an important tool of non-military pressure needed to achieve diplomatic solutions to complex international conflicts.
Marco Rubio, known for his hard-line views on Russia, said it was "very difficult to reach an agreement or a deal that starts with a ceasefire and ends with a peace agreement unless both sides have leverage." He noted that sanctions are one such lever the U.S. can use to exert pressure without resorting to military action.
However, Rubio did not rule out the possibility of easing or even lifting sanctions in the context of the negotiation process on Ukraine.
"If we want real progress in resolving the conflict, we may have to consider lifting some sanctions as part of a compromise," - he added.
The statement provoked a strong reaction both among hardliners towards Russia and among those who see dialogue and compromise as the only path to peace.
Recent developments on this front include high-level discussions of possible sanctions against Russia, given their impact on the global economy and the specifics of the Russian economy, which has already adapted to years of restrictions. According to Reuters, US President Joe Biden plans to impose new sanctions before leaving office this week that could affect Chinese companies with ties to the Russian oil sector. These measures could be the Biden administration’s final chord before the transfer of power to new President Donald Trump.
Economic sanctions against Russia were introduced after 2014 and significantly expanded after the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine. They include restrictions on access to international financial markets, dual-use technologies and goods, as well as personal sanctions against Russian officials and businessmen. The Russian side has repeatedly stated that these restrictions are illegal and a violation of international law.