Rubio: Trump taking up to 60 days to decide on sanctions
The US administration wants to reassess the economic consequences of delayed measures against Russia.
Follow-up to: US postpones new levies on Russian trade Sunday, 18 October 2026, 11:03
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US President Donald Trump will take up to 60 days to assess the consequences of new sanctions against Russia, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The delay follows Trump's temporary suspension of measures against Russian energy exports and possible trade tariffs.
Rubio said on Saturday that the administration wanted more time to examine the economic effects of the sanctions and tariffs. The measures are intended to hit Russia financially while also putting pressure on countries that continue to buy Russian oil.
According to Associated Press, Congress was critical of the decision to delay the sanctions. The legislation had been passed with broad support and included provisions for high tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil and gas. Trump cited the national interest when postponing the measures.
The US administration presents the pause as a period of evaluation. Critics in Congress fear that the absence of immediate measures will reduce pressure on Moscow. Ukraine has previously said that easing sanctions could encourage Russia to postpone concessions.
According to Reuters, Rubio pointed to India as an example of a country that has partly diversified its energy supply but remains heavily dependent on Russian oil. This makes the issue complicated: measures against buyers could affect not only Russia, but also energy prices and the trade relations of allies.
For Europe, the main issue is how Washington ultimately shapes the sanctions. A broad tariff measure could affect oil trading, transport, insurance and financial services. As long as the assessment of up to 60 days continues, it remains unclear whether the previously announced measures will return in full, in part or not at all.
The announcement is therefore not a definitive policy change, but it is a clear delay. The US administration has not yet published a new sanctions package, and there is no guarantee that the assessment will lead to stricter measures.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The US administration has temporarily delayed new sanctions against Russia.
- Marco Rubio spoke of an assessment period of up to 60 days.
- Congress reacted critically to the delay.
- The measures would affect, among other things, Russian energy exports and countries that buy Russian oil.
Left
Arguments From this perspective, the delay weakens economic pressure on Russia and could prolong the financing of the war. Sanctions should be applied credibly and consistently, even if that entails short-term economic costs.
Values International solidarity, support for Ukraine and accountability for aggressor states.
Consequences Faster implementation of sanctions and more support for countries reducing their dependence on Russian energy.
Centre
Arguments A temporary assessment may be defensible if the consequences for allies, energy prices and global trade have not yet been sufficiently calculated. At the same time, the pause should remain limited and transparent.
Values Proportionality, practicability and international coordination.
Consequences Targeted measures against Russia, with exemptions or transition periods for vulnerable allies.
Right
Arguments From this perspective, sanctions are effective only if they do not unnecessarily harm the US economy and strategic competitive position. Washington must retain the freedom to decide for itself when economic pressure is useful.
Values National sovereignty, economic security and negotiating leverage.
Consequences Greater emphasis on flexibility, energy security and bilateral pressure over broad sanctions coalitions.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The statements about the period of up to 60 days and the delay to the sanctions have been confirmed by AP and Reuters. Possible consequences for energy prices and sectors have been framed as risks, not as effects that have already occurred.
- confirmed Rubio said Trump would take up to 60 days to assess sanctions and tariffs. — Reuters and AP report the same period. source
- confirmed Trump temporarily delayed new sanctions against Russia. — AP describes the signed decision to delay them. source
- confirmed The law provides for possible tariffs of up to 100 per cent on major buyers of Russian oil or gas. — AP describes this provision. source
- confirmed India remains heavily dependent on Russian oil. — Reuters presents this as part of Rubio's explanation. source
Editor's note
The core has been confirmed by AP and Reuters. The precise future form and economic effects of the measures remain uncertain and have therefore not been presented as established facts.Sources
- Trump's decision to waive Russian sanctions outrages Congress — Associated Press
- Trump puts new Russia sanctions on hold — Associated Press
- Rubio says Trump to take up to 60 days to weigh Russia sanctions — Reuters via Investing.com
The story so far
- Sunday, 18 October 2026, 11:03 US postpones new levies on Russian trade
- Sunday, 18 October 2026, 12:22 Rubio: Trump taking up to 60 days to decide on sanctions (this article)