Rubio Defends Russia Sanctions Exemption as 60-Day Review

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio downplayed President Donald Trump's decision to exempt Russia from new sanctions, calling it a 60-day pause to analyze economic impacts. Ukraine strongly condemned the suspension of measures targeting Russia's energy sector, escalating tensions between Kyiv and Washington. Rubio said Trump wants to use the period to assess sanctions and tariffs' effects on the global and US economy. He cited recent conflicts, including the US war against Iran and Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, as factors affecting energy prices worldwide. The exemption, announced via presidential decree, applies to the Graham Act passed in mid-September. It follows a US-Russia deal allowing American imports of Russian diesel. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned this is likely the beginning of further sanctions relief, while Trump urges Kyiv to stop strikes on Russian refineries.