Rubio Faces Bipartisan Criticism Over Easing of Sanctions on Russian Oil — AP
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has faced harsh criticism from members of both major parties in Congress over the White House’s stance on energy sanctions against Moscow.
The source of discontent among American lawmakers was the decision by the administration of current U.S. President Donald Trump to extend exemptions from sanctions on the supply of petroleum products from Russia.
Government officials explain this move by the urgent need to cover the fuel shortage on the global market, which arose as a result of a large-scale military conflict with Iran.
During a hearing on the matter on Wednesday, Republican Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas emphasized that the U.S. president’s initial decision to impose these sanctions last fall was absolutely correct and justified.
At the same time, the current easing of restrictions, according to the lawmaker, harms Washington’s geopolitical interests.
Such a lifting of bans provides Moscow with critically important financial revenue while having minimal impact on actually lowering gasoline prices for American consumers.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke in defense of the White House’s current policy, attempting to reassure lawmakers during the debate.
The head of the State Department assured American lawmakers that these sanctions waivers are strictly short-term measures and “will not become permanent.”
Currently, government officials are seeking alternative ways to stabilize the fuel market that would prevent the Kremlin from replenishing its war budget.
This is reported by the Associated Press.
Rubio acknowledged the effectiveness of Ukraine’s strikes deep into Russian territory
Ukraine will continue to increase the intensity of strikes on military targets within Russian territory to weaken its ability to wage war.
Strikes on oil infrastructure within Russia will continue to intensify.
