US Senators Press Rubio, Bessent Over 17-Month Pause in Russia Sanctions

US senators Warren and Coons are pressing Rubio and Bessent to explain why routine Russia counter-evasion sanctions remain paused despite stalled peace talks and continued sanctions evasion.

Senators press Rubio, Bessent on lack of counter-evasion sanctions on Russia  Reuters

The US last imposed major sanctions on Russia in October 2025, when the Treasury Department targeted Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil.

WASHINGTON, Aug 12 - Two senior Democratic U.S. senators on Wednesday pressed Trump administration officials on why they have paused imposing fresh sanctions on companies, banks and other entities that help Russia evade existing restrictions over its invasion of Ukraine, even though peace talks have not proved fruitful