Marco Rubio says Trump's Russian oil sanctions waiver is a '60-day pause,' denies restricting Starlink access

On October 18, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed U.S. President Donald Trump's waiver of sanctions on Russian oil sales and the impact on Ukraine's access to Starlink services. In response to concerns about the waiver, Rubio stated that it was a temporary measure to analyze its effects on the global economy. He emphasized the need for this period to determine the right combination of sanctions and tariffs, given the high global energy prices resulting from the U.S.'s war with Iran and the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Rubio dismissed accusations that Trump's move would benefit Moscow, arguing that it would not deter Russian President Vladimir Putin, who appears to be delighted by the support. He also denied any U.S. involvement in limiting Ukraine's access to Starlink, clarifying that the internet speed restriction reported by Ukraine was not deliberate or ordered by the White House.

Multiple media reports have suggested that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk had suggested limiting Starlink speeds for Ukrainian forces. However, Rubio firmly denied these allegations, stating categorically that such claims were false.