Overview

• In an NBC interview, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said heavy U.S. sanctions on Russia would end Washington’s ability to broker talks between Moscow and Kyiv.
• Rubio argued that going hard on sanctions could prolong the war for years and lead to many more deaths.
• He said President Trump has expressed deep disappointment with Vladimir Putin’s course and may eventually decide to impose new sanctions.
• Rubio criticized European countries for continuing to buy large volumes of Russian oil and gas and urged Europe to do more to restrict Moscow.
• Former national security adviser John Bolton called Rubio’s stance “total nonsense,” urging U.S. leadership on sanctions and warning that waiting for Europe would aid Russia.