US President Donald Trump decided to suspend the implementation of a law imposing severe sanctions on Russia because the measures could harm other countries and undermine American national security interests, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said during a visit to India.

Rubio explained that Washington must consider the broader consequences of economic restrictions targeting Moscow, particularly their impact on countries that maintain trade and business relations with Russia.

According to the secretary of state, the sanctions would affect not only Russia but also foreign governments and companies conducting business with it. This makes their implementation more complicated than simply imposing additional economic pressure on Moscow.

The Trump administration is seeking to use sanctions as leverage to push the parties involved in the Ukraine conflict toward an agreement. However, Rubio acknowledged that such pressure can extend beyond its intended targets and negatively affect other countries.

He said this was one of the main reasons Trump exercised his authority to suspend the law’s implementation rather than immediately enforce the restrictions.

The president made the decision despite criticism from Democrats and other opponents, invoking national security considerations to delay the measures.

Rubio stressed that US sanctions policy requires balancing several competing priorities. While Washington wants to maintain pressure in pursuit of a settlement, it must also assess the consequences for its own interests and for countries economically connected to Russia.

He added that decisions on further restrictions must take into account the situation involving Russia and Ukraine alongside the wider global repercussions of American sanctions.