The US president, Donald Trump, has said the suspension of a number of sanctions against Russia was intended to keep peace negotiations going.
The sanctions were blocked two days before they were due to take effect. The decision prevents the measures from being implemented at the planned time, although the supplied information does not specify which sanctions were involved or how long the suspension will last.
Trump linked the move directly to efforts to maintain negotiations aimed at securing peace. His explanation indicates that the administration views avoiding the immediate introduction of the sanctions as a way of keeping diplomatic discussions open.
No further details are provided about the negotiations, the parties involved or any response to the suspension. The latest position is that the sanctions remain on hold while Trump says the focus is on sustaining the peace process.