Overview

• Rubio told NATO counterparts the White House will delay additional sanctions to avoid shutting down diplomatic channels with Russia.
• Senator Lindsey Graham’s bipartisan sanctions bill has amassed over 80 co-sponsors, a tally sufficient to override a presidential veto if it reaches the floor.
• European Union officials are poised to adopt a new package capping prices on Russian oil exports to further squeeze Kremlin revenues.
• Several European diplomats warn that delaying tougher measures risks emboldening President Putin and undermining allied resolve in support of Ukraine.
• U.S. intelligence assesses that Russia seeks to secure territory on the battlefield, prompting debate over the balance between sanctions pressure and negotiation opportunities.