Riyadh, Saudi Arabia| The United States and its Western allies may have to reassess the extensive sanctions imposed on Russia as part of a broader peace settlement to end the Ukraine conflict, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested on Tuesday.
Speaking to journalists in Riyadh following a high-level meeting with Russian officials, Rubio indicated that a sustainable resolution to the war could pave the way for historic opportunities in US-Russia relations, including economic cooperation.
Diplomatic Talks in Riyadh
Rubio addressed the press alongside National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and special envoy Steve Witkoff after engaging in discussions with a Russian delegation led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Other Russian officials present included presidential foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov and Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).
The talks, held in the Saudi capital, reportedly focused on de-escalating the Ukraine conflict and restoring diplomatic channels between Washington and Moscow.
Both delegations described the meeting as “constructive and positive,” suggesting a cautious but potential path toward negotiations.
Sanctions Relief as a Key Consideration
Rubio acknowledged that any lasting peace settlement would likely necessitate compromises from all sides, including the potential rollback of sanctions.
“In order to bring an end to any conflict, there have to be concessions made by all sides,” he stated, without specifying the exact terms of such compromises.
He clarified that while the topic of sanctions relief had not yet been formally discussed with the Russian side, it remains a crucial element of broader peace efforts.
The Secretary of State emphasized that the European Union, which has also imposed stringent sanctions on Moscow, would need to be involved in any potential negotiations regarding economic restrictions.
“The EU is going to be at the [negotiations] table at some point because they have sanctions as well that have been imposed,” Rubio noted.
A Shift in US-Russia Relations?
Rubio’s remarks signaled a possible strategic recalibration of Washington’s approach to Moscow, particularly under President Donald Trump’s administration.
According to Rubio, the ultimate objective is to secure a resolution that is “fair, enduring, sustainable, and acceptable to all parties involved.”
He hinted that ending hostilities in Ukraine could unlock “unique” and “potentially historic” economic opportunities for both nations.
The Secretary of State suggested that, once the war reaches a negotiated conclusion, the US could explore “credible opportunities to partner with the Russians geopolitically, on issues of common interest, and economically on issues that hopefully will be good for the world and also improve our relations in the long term.”
The Economic Toll of Sanctions
Since the outbreak of the Ukraine war, the US and its allies have implemented some of the most extensive sanctions in modern history, targeting Russian financial institutions, energy exports, and key industries.
According to data from the RDIF, these restrictions have cost American businesses approximately $300 billion due to their withdrawal from the Russian market.
While the Biden administration initially championed a policy of economic isolation to weaken Moscow’s war effort, Rubio’s comments suggest a growing recognition of the long-term costs and geopolitical consequences of such measures.
Uncertain Road Ahead
Despite the diplomatic overtures, it remains unclear whether the US and Russia can reach a consensus on ending the war, particularly given deep-seated divisions over Ukraine’s sovereignty and security guarantees.
Any movement toward sanctions relief would also face significant political resistance in Washington, where bipartisan skepticism toward Moscow remains strong.
Nevertheless, Rubio’s remarks mark a notable shift in tone, indicating that the US may be open to recalibrating its stance as part of a broader strategy to end the conflict.
Whether this leads to tangible policy changes or remains a diplomatic overture will depend on further negotiations and geopolitical developments in the months ahead.
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