Rubio says Trump to take up to 60 days to weigh Russia sanctions
USO•Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump will take up to 60 days to assess the economic impact of waiving Russia-related sanctions and tariffs. The waiver also covers penalties on countries buying Russian oil and gas; Trump separately said Russia initially would supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to the United States.
1. Sanctions review
Rubio said Trump will use up to 60 days to assess the economic impact of sanctions and tariffs waived under an executive order signed Friday. The measures, including tariffs on Russian goods and penalties on countries buying Russian oil and gas, were due to take effect next week. The order did not specify how long the waiver would last.
2. Diesel agreement
Rubio defended a separate agreement under which Russia initially would supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to the United States, followed by shipments in November and beyond. Energy Secretary Chris Wright called the deal “a carrot to try to end the war, not an economic lifeline” to Russia, and said additional exports would require Russia to reduce its conflict with Ukraine.
3. Reactions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned that the sanctions waiver would embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and prolong the war. Trump said he wanted to avoid anything that would drive Russia away from the bargaining table.
