Trump's Decision on Strengthening Sanctions Against Russia is His Responsibility: Rubio

The decision to impose new sanctions against Russia remains under the jurisdiction of U.S. President Donald Trump. This was stated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio after his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

"The President has implied that he has such a possibility both within the framework of current authorities and within the framework of new measures. We have warned that such a moment could come, and we continue to emphasize this, as it corresponds to reality. But whether that moment has come or not is a decision for the President," he said in a conversation with reporters during the Southeast Asia Nations Summit in Malaysia.

It is worth recalling that Trump stated on July 8 that the prospect of the U.S. Congress adopting a Senate bill on new sanctions against Russia is entirely dependent on his decision. He added that he is studying this bill very carefully, noting that it is a "variation." According to the publication Politico, citing sources from the White House and Congress, Trump has expressed willingness to support the sanctions bill against Russia on the condition that the document includes provisions for lifting the sanctions.