The United States does not support Europe’s imposition of new sanctions against Russia, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at a press conference following a meeting of G7 foreign ministers.
“President (US President Donald) Trump has made it clear that we have those options, but now is not the time for that because it is necessary to engage both sides (Russia and Ukraine) in peace talks,” Rubio told reporters.
He said the United States cannot control Europe’s actions, but Washington hopes for understanding among European allies for an early ceasefire.
“Whatever the Europeans determine and decide about their sanctions, we can’t control it…because we are not part of the European Union and have no say there,” the secretary of state added.
Earlier, G7 foreign ministers said in a joint statement following the meeting on Friday that they discussed the imposition of sanctions and other measures against Russia if a ceasefire in Ukraine is not reached. The G7 member states urged Moscow to agree to a ceasefire with Kiev “on equal terms” and implement it. Among the measures discussed in case Russia does not agree to this are setting limits on oil prices and additional support for Kiev.