Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed Moscow’s readiness for a political and diplomatic settlement to the war in Ukraine during talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Manila, according to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussions took place on the sidelines of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting, with Russian media reporting the session lasted just over half an hour.
Diplomatic Talks in Manila and Stalled Peace Efforts
The high-level meeting occurred as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported speaking with US envoys to revive stalled negotiations aimed at ending the multi-year conflict. According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lavrov told Rubio that Moscow remains committed to proposals put forward by presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin during their August 2025 meeting in Alaska. At the same time, Lavrov stressed that continuing to supply weapons to Kyiv is unacceptable and condemned what he called a destabilising policy by European countries seeking a strategic defeat for Russia.
Speaking to reporters after the session, Rubio described the exchange as a good and frank conversation. While declining to characterize Russia’s position during the talks, Rubio noted that both Russia and Ukraine have an incentive to end the war, though the central challenge remains finding a settlement acceptable to both sides. Ahead of the formal sit-down, Lavrov told reporters the meeting would be useful for asking questions and getting answers, specifically noting his intent to ask Rubio about Trump’s statements predicting an approaching settlement.
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Discussions aimed at resolving the conflict have faced persistent hurdles, with diplomatic traction frequently shifting alongside broader geopolitical priorities in regions like the Middle East and ongoing territorial demands from Moscow.
Escalating Drone Strikes and Regional Impact
The diplomatic engagement coincides with intensified military actions on the ground. President Trump recently voiced support for Ukraine’s campaign of long-range drone strikes targeting Russian energy infrastructure, suggesting the strategy could help bring about an end to the conflict. Ukrainian forces have ramped up these operations, hitting refineries, oil depots, and cargo ships at sea, which has consequently triggered fuel shortages inside Russia. These tactics follow a severe escalation in late June, when a massive barrage of Russian missiles and drones killed at least 30 people in Kyiv.
On the diplomatic front, Zelenskyy shared in a post on X that he held a productive conversation regarding ways to reinvigorate diplomacy with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Meanwhile, Rubio and Lavrov first interacted briefly at a gala dinner before participating in the formal ASEAN Regional Forum session, marking a rare direct diplomatic contact point between Washington and Moscow amidst ongoing hostilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who met in Manila to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war?
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met on the sidelines of an ASEAN meeting in the Philippines for a discussion lasting just over half an hour.
What peace proposals did Russia reference during the talks?
According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Moscow remains committed to proposals originally put forward by presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin during their August 2025 meeting in Alaska.
What is the current stance of the United States on the conflict?
According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the US remains prepared to play a constructive role in helping facilitate an end to the war if the opportunity arises, emphasizing the need to find a settlement acceptable to both sides.
How has military strategy shifted recently?
Ukraine has escalated long-range drone strikes targeting Russian refineries, oil depots, and cargo ships, causing fuel shortages. President Trump has voiced support for these strikes as a potential mechanism to help end the conflict.
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