MOSCOW/DOHA - 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.
Also on Sunday, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani met in Doha on Sunday with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov to discuss bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, economic, and technical fields, according to a statement by Qatar's Foreign Ministry.
The two sides also reviewed developments in the Ukraine crisis and several other regional and international issues of mutual concern.
ALSO READ: Zelensky rejects territorial concessions to Russia as ceasefire condition
Additionally, Al Thani and Manturov co-chaired the fifth session of the Qatari-Russian Joint Committee on Trade, Economic, and Technical Cooperation.
During the session, Al Thani reaffirmed Qatar's support for all international efforts toward a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis through dialogue and diplomacy.
He further emphasized the "urgent need" to implement the Gaza ceasefire agreement to bring the Gaza war to an end and pave the way for a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace in the region.
On Sunday, Manturov also met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on bilateral ties and the Ukraine crisis.
Manturov's visit followed recent US-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia's port city of Jeddah, which concluded with Kiev okaying a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire plan and Washington consenting to lift its pause on military aid to and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
