Washington intends to terminate the temporary exemptions currently in effect under the sanctions regime against the Russian oil industry as quickly as possible. This was stated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his testimony before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Strategy of gradual tightening
On Tuesday, responding to questions from lawmakers, Rubio confirmed that the primary policy of the United States remains strict sanctions against Russian oil. The existing exemptions, which allow certain operations, were introduced solely to stabilize global energy supplies and are temporary in nature.
"We would like to end this as soon as possible, as the main policy of this country is sanctions on Russian oil," the Secretary of State emphasized. According to him, Washington's overall strategy involves a gradual tightening of restrictions on the Russian energy sector.
The role of the Treasury and the current situation
During the hearing, Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen asked whether the administration plans to extend the current concessions. Rubio replied that the final decision on this matter lies within the competence of the US Department of the Treasury. He added that specific steps will depend on current circumstances and the situation at the time the decision is made.
However, the Secretary of State himself emphasized the US side's desire to terminate the effect of these exemptions as quickly as possible, as sanction pressure remains part of US long-term policy.
Kyiv's position
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that any steps to ease or lift international sanctions against Russia are a mistaken approach. In his opinion, such decisions could only strengthen the defense industry and military potential of the aggressor state.