Rubio says Washington pressing for an end to Russia–Ukraine war, eyes sanction relief

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in Samarkand that Washington is pursuing an end to the Russia–Ukraine war and views sanction relief as an opening.

• Rubio arrived in Samarkand with representatives of more than 200 US companies to expand trade, investment and security ties with five Central Asian states.
• Rubio said Trump is committed to continuing diplomatic efforts until the war ends, calling the crisis complex.
• Rubio said suspending sanctions on Russia is an opportunity to make talks between the two sides successful.
• Asked about a possible Trump–Putin–Xi meeting, Rubio said it has been discussed but not definitively confirmed.
• After Central Asia, Rubio will visit the Indian cities of Mumbai and Jamnagar to meet business leaders.
• US officials said a nearly-completed trade agreement with India may be announced during the visit.
• Officials stressed Central Asia's strategic importance given its vast rare earth mineral and energy reserves.