US Hopes to Avoid Strengthening Sanctions Against Russia – Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States hopes it will not need to escalate sanctions against Russia in an effort to help resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. 

Rubio emphasized, “It should be understood that the US has various options to impose additional costs on Russia, but we hope it won’t come to that. Our goal is for both sides to recognize that this is a conflict that cannot be solved through military action; it can only be resolved through diplomacy. The President’s objective is to bring both parties to the negotiating table and find a peaceful solution. However, we are also aware that the United States has the necessary tools at hand if the situation deteriorates, though we hope it never reaches that stage.”

Later on Tuesday, talks between the US and Ukraine are anticipated to take place in Jeddah to discuss potential resolutions to the conflict.