The Trump administration was reportedly considering lifting energy sanctions on Russia last week as part of discussions to end the war in Ukraine, per Politico. Those plans could include restarting the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline, which could prove to be a major financial boon to Moscow.

President Donald Trump issued a rare rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin after Russia launched a major attack on Ukraine overnight. He later said he believed Putin would listen to his plea to halt Russian strikes on Ukraine and expressed optimism about a potential peace deal.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that imposing new sanctions on Russia could extend the Ukraine conflict by two more years. Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Rubio emphasized the critical diplomatic window the US is currently navigating.