Peskov ruled out lifting Russian sanctions on Rubio before a similar move by the U.S.

Russia will not lift sanctions against Marco Rubio, a candidate for the post of US Secretary of State in the future administration of Donald Trump, a senator from Florida, until Washington takes a similar step with regard to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on November 19.

"We also have Lavrov under sanctions. What goodwill is there here when Lavrov is under sanctions?" - he told TASS when asked about the possibility of lifting restrictions on Rubio as a goodwill gesture.

Peskov noted that in this case it can only be a mutual process.

Rubio has been on the Russian sanctions list since May 2022.

Republican Trump, who won the US presidential election, nominated Rubio for the post of US Secretary of State earlier on November 13. He said in a statement that the nominee is a highly respected leader who is characterized by a commitment to freedom and justice.

Rubio then issued a statement that in his new post he intends to ensure peace from a position of strength and always put the interests of Americans first. According to Reuters, his appointment will lead to a toughening of the state's course towards China.

The election of the 47th president of the United States was held on November 5. In the national vote, Trump received 50.0% of the vote, while Democratic candidate Kamala Harris received 48.3%. Speaking to supporters, the Republican said that his goal as head of state is to end military conflicts in the world.