Rubio told European allies that U.S. won’t lift sanctions against Russia until war is over — Bloomberg

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Washington’s European allies that the Trump administration would maintain sanctions against Russia at least until an agreement is reached to end the war in Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the situation.

Rubio gave the assurance to his European counterparts in a phone call that took place after Tuesday’s meeting between Russian and U.S. representatives in Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. State Department said in an official statement that Rubio spoke with foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, and the U.K., as well as E.U. foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

“The Secretary briefed the foreign ministers on the meeting. The group agreed to remain in close contact as we work to achieve a durable end to the conflict in Ukraine,” the press release said.

At a press conference following the U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh on February 18, Rubio stated that Western nations would have to lift sanctions against Russia if the war in Ukraine ends. “[In] order to bring an end to any conflict there has to be concessions made by all sides,” he said in response to a question about the future of U.S. sanctions against Moscow.