Trump officials deny claims they are considering lifting Russian energy sanctions
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are vehemently denying a recent report from Politico that claimed they had discussed lifting sanctions on Russian energy assets. The anonymously sourced article alleged that the two officials had considered easing sanctions as part of a broader peace negotiation to end the conflict in Ukraine.
In a joint statement released by the White House, Rubio and Witkoff dismissed the report as “totally fictitious” and “fake crap.” They emphasized that they have not engaged in any conversations about lifting sanctions on Russia and called on Politico to retract the article if they have any journalistic integrity.
The Politico report suggested that Witkoff had been advocating for lifting sanctions on Russian energy assets, including the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, while Rubio had opposed such efforts. However, both officials have refuted these claims, with Witkoff calling the report “embarrassing” and Rubio expressing frustration with the “fake news” being spread by the outlet.
Despite the denial from Rubio and Witkoff, Politico has stood by its reporting, citing sources familiar with the discussions. The outlet has faced criticism from various quarters, with some accusing them of being misled by unreliable sources.
Sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline were initially imposed during the Trump administration but were temporarily waived by President Biden before being reinstated following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The energy sector has been a key point of contention in the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, with the U.S. proposing various measures to help facilitate a peace deal.
Recent developments in the negotiations, including a temporary truce between Russia and Ukraine and the threat of the U.S. walking away from further ceasefire talks, have underscored the complexities of the situation. President Trump has weighed in on the issue, criticizing Ukrainian President Zelenskyy for his stance on Crimea and urging a swift resolution to the conflict.
As the diplomatic efforts continue, the focus remains on finding a lasting peace agreement that addresses the needs and concerns of all parties involved. Rubio and Witkoff’s denial of the reports regarding sanctions on Russian energy assets underscores the importance of accurate and responsible journalism in covering such sensitive and high-stakes negotiations.
