US may consider new sanctions on Russia if peace talks stall: US Secretary of State Rubio

Washington DC: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (local time) stated that Russia would be slammed with additional sanctions by Washington if Moscow fails to provide a formal proposal outlining its conditions for a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as reported by Anadolu Agency.

Speaking before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio said that such a delay from Russia would show Moscow’s real intent to negotiate on the matter.

“It’s our understanding that the Russians are going to write up terms for what they would require in order to reach a ceasefire that then would allow broader negotiations,” Rubio told the Senate Committee as quoted by Anadolu Agency. “We await those terms, and then I’ll have a much better understanding about Mr. Putin’s calculation once we see what those terms look like,” he added.

When asked about the possibility of new sanctions, Rubio said such measures are likely if Russia appears unwilling to pursue peace and continues the war effort.

“If it is clear that the Russians are not interested in a peace deal and they just want to keep fighting a war, it may very well come to that point,” he noted, as quoted by Anadolu Agency.

However, Rubio emphasised that US President Donald Trump prefers not to threaten sanctions at this stage, fearing it could derail the diplomatic process.

“The president believes that right now, if you start threatening sanctions, the Russians will stop talking,” Rubio said as quoted by Anadolu Agency.

Rubio added that Trump is “very committed” to ending the conflict and wants to maintain the ability to influence both parties toward a peaceful resolution for as long as possible. (ANI)

Also Read: Trump unveils 175 billion USD ‘Golden Dome’ missile shield project

Also Watch: