Rubio urges tougher Russia sanctions as Trump resists new measures

US Senator Marco Rubio on May 20 defended the continuation of US sanctions and military support for Ukraine during testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, emphasising that most restrictions on Russia remain intact despite growing concerns over President Donald Trump’s reluctance to escalate pressure on the Kremlin.

Rubio, responding to questions about the Trump administration’s stance toward Moscow, stated that sanctions targeting Russia’s energy and banking sectors cannot legally be lifted without Congressional approval. He also noted that the United States continues to supply weapons and intelligence to Ukraine, aside from a one-week pause in March meant to chastise President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following a contentious Oval Office meeting, Caliber.Az reports per New Lines Magazine.

A senior official close to the Secretary of State, who also currently serves in multiple acting roles across the administration, said Rubio’s push reflects strategic intent within the Senate. 

“Notice how Rubio brings up sanctions on a near-daily basis,” the official said on condition of anonymity. “He wants Congress to move on the Graham bill because it’s got a veto-proof majority in the Senate and it would scuttle any reset with Moscow.”

Trump, however, is reluctant to move forward with additional US sanctions, even though he’s finally admitted to the Europeans that Putin isn’t willing to end the war because he believes he’s winning it. 

Earlier this month, in Kyiv, the UK, France, Germany, and Poland coordinated a 48-hour ultimatum demanding Russia agree to a 30-day ceasefire or face sweeping new sanctions. Trump initially supported the plan, but reversed course after Putin offered to resume talks instead. Trump endorsed Putin’s proposal to revive talks in Istanbul—talks that quickly collapsed after Russia sent a secondary delegation and reiterated long standing demands, including regime change in Kyiv.

The Europeans have belatedly awakened to the fact that their agenda can no longer be set in Washington. 

After a failed attempt earlier this month to present a united Western front, European leaders moved independently to adopt the EU’s 17th sanctions package against Russia. Announced on May 20, the new measures target 200 vessels in Russia’s “shadow fleet” that help Moscow evade global oil sanctions. An 18th package is reportedly in preparation, and the UK simultaneously imposed sanctions on Russia’s missile supply chain.

Some analysts believe Trump’s hesitance is driven by potential business opportunities in Russia. Others argue that even if he wanted to end military aid to Ukraine, doing so would require complex changes to end-user agreements—moves that would undercut US defence exports.

Sources familiar with Trump’s strategy told The Wall Street Journal that European officials believe US weapons exports will continue as long as Europe or Ukraine covers the cost.

Meanwhile, European states are stepping up their role in Ukraine’s defence, exploring joint production of long-range air defense and rocket artillery systems—an approach aimed at ensuring continuity in support regardless of Washington’s policy direction.

By Sabina Mammadli