US refuses Russia sanctions ahead of Trump–Zelensky Nato meeting

Netherlands: The United States has announced it will not impose fresh sanctions on Russia at this time, just hours before a highly anticipated Nato summit meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in The Hague.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking to Politico, argued that increasing economic pressure on Moscow now could hinder future diplomatic efforts. “If we did what everybody here wants us to do, and that is come in and crush them with more sanctions, we probably lose our ability to talk to them about the ceasefire,” he said. “Trump will know the right time and place.”

Zelensky, who has signed a defence agreement with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier this week, has been calling on Kyiv’s 32 Nato allies to strengthen Ukraine’s defence industry. His delegation is expected to press for more Patriot missile systems and intensified economic measures against Russia during the summit.

While Nato allies agreed to boost defence spending and reaffirm support for Ukraine, the summit communique stopped short of directly condemning the Russian invasion. It cited Russia as a "long-term threat" to Euro-Atlantic security but did not mention President Vladimir Putin by name.

Meanwhile, tensions escalated on the ground as a Russian missile attack in Dnipro killed at least 17 people and injured over 200. Despite this, some leaders, including Hungary's Viktor Orbán, continue to downplay the Russian threat to Nato.

Zelensky warned that Russia could attack a Nato member within the next five years if not checked. However, the diplomatic tone at the summit suggests many nations are prioritising cautious engagement with Moscow, possibly in preparation for broader ceasefire negotiations.