Russia maintains sanctions on US Secretary of State Rubio

MOSCOW - Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Sunday denied reports claiming Russia had lifted sanctions on US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, dismissing the claims as "fake news".

"The sanctions against him have yet to be lifted. These reports are pure fake news," said Maria Zakharova, adding that the restrictions remain in place.

Earlier reports said that Russia had revoked the sanctions following a conversation between Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Rubio was put on Russia's sanctions list targeting US individuals in May 2022, with measures including an entry ban to the country.