Tillerson Signals Easing Policy Toward Russia on Ukraine Accord

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson signaled the U.S. could ease off demands that Russia abide by the Minsk agreement to end the conflict in Ukraine, telling lawmakers that the administration doesn’t want to be “handcuffed” if Moscow and Kiev can settle their dispute another way.

Tillerson made the comment Wednesday to House lawmakers who may soon be weighing tougher sanctions against Moscow over its role in the Ukraine conflict. A bipartisan group of senators this week reached a compromise on legislation that would expand penalties imposed on the Kremlin in 2014. That deal would prevent the president from easing or lifting sanctions without approval from Congress.