Trump's patience with Russia 'not infinite,' Rubio warns as US sanctions loom

 

Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, and the Future of U.S. Sanctions on Russia

The war in Ukraine continues to dominate global politics, and the role of the United States has become increasingly complex. On September 23, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that President Donald Trump has both the “opportunity and the options” to impose new sanctions against Russia. His remarks highlight a potential turning point in Washington’s approach to the conflict.

Trump’s Shifting Position on Ukraine

In a surprising move, President Trump recently expressed stronger support for Ukraine’s military efforts. After meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump declared that “Ukraine is in a position to fight and win all of Ukraine back.” This marked a notable shift from his earlier cautious tone, especially after his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska just a month ago.

scow. However, the talks stalled when Putin invited Zelensky to Moscow, a proposal that Kyiv rejected. Zelensky responded firmly, stating that no talks could be held in Russia while “my country’s under missiles.”

Rubio’s Warning: Patience Has Limits

At a U.N. Security Council meeting on Ukraine, Marco Rubio emphasized that Trump has exercised “extraordinary patience” by not enforcing additional sanctions immediately. He suggested that this restraint was aimed at creating space for diplomatic progress. However, Rubio also made it clear that patience “is not infinite.”

According to Rubio, Trump holds the authority not only to impose sanctions but also to expand military aid to Ukraine. This includes the possibility of supplying both defensive and even offensive weaponry. Still, Rubio stressed that Washington’s ultimate goal remains a negotiated settlement, reminding global leaders that “this war will end at a negotiating table.”

Balancing Diplomacy and Pressure

The U.S. strategy now appears to hinge on a mix of pressure and diplomacy. Trump has signaled that any new sanctions would need to align with tougher European measures. He has criticized the European Union for continuing to import Russian energy, arguing that such purchases undermine collective pressure on Moscow.

The U.S. has already demonstrated its willingness to extend economic pressure beyond Russia. In August, Washington imposed tariffs on India over its imports of Russian crude oil, though New Delhi responded by reaffirming that it would continue its purchases. This move underscored Washington’s determination to discourage financial support for Moscow, even from key partners.

Military Support Through NATO

Alongside economic measures, Trump has reinforced the U.S. commitment to arming Ukraine through NATO channels. On September 23, he stated that the United States would “continue to supply weapons to NATO for NATO to do what they want with them.” This approach reflects a broader strategy of empowering NATO allies while avoiding the image of unilateral American escalation.

Just last week, on September 16, a new NATO-backed aid package for Ukraine was approved. It included advanced systems such as Patriot air defense missiles and HIMARS rocket launchers, signaling Washington’s readiness to provide Kyiv with stronger tools to counter Russian attacks.

The Road Ahead

The combination of sanctions, military aid, and diplomatic efforts places Trump in a delicate position. On one hand, he is trying to present himself as a leader capable of achieving peace through negotiations. On the other, his administration is preparing for the possibility that only greater pressure on Russia can bring Moscow to the table.

Zelensky has consistently called for talks with Putin on neutral ground, but the Kremlin has avoided such proposals. Until that changes, Washington’s strategy of balancing diplomacy with escalating measures may define the next phase of this conflict.