The United States may consider lifting economic sanctions on Russia as part of a negotiated settlement to the Ukraine conflict, President Donald Trump suggested on February 25. However, he clarified that no formal decision has been made yet. The remarks signal a potential shift in Washington’s approach to the protracted crisis, raising speculation about the future of economic measures imposed against Moscow since 2022.

During a press briefing, Trump responded to questions regarding whether sanctions relief had been discussed in recent high-level diplomatic engagements between US and Russian officials. “No, we haven’t lifted any sanctions on anybody… I guess it will be at some point, but right now we haven’t agreed to lift sanctions on anybody,” he stated. The comment leaves room for maneuvering in ongoing negotiations but stops short of outlining a clear timeline or conditions for easing restrictions.

Since the escalation of hostilities in Ukraine in 2022, Western nations, led by the United States and the European Union, have imposed sweeping economic sanctions on Russia. These measures have targeted Russia’s financial sector, energy exports, defense industries, and key individuals linked to the Kremlin. Moscow, however, has repeatedly denounced the sanctions as illegal and counterproductive, arguing that they harm global economic stability as much as they do Russia.

Trump’s comments align with sentiments recently expressed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who acknowledged that finding a long-term solution to the Ukraine conflict may require revisiting sanctions policy. Rubio, speaking after high-level US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, noted that “there has to be concessions made by all sides,” and suggested that sanctions relief could be an important aspect of a broader peace framework. However, he emphasized........

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