Lavrov and Rubio Discuss Ukraine and Bilateral Relations in Manila
Dragon Media News Desk
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held extensive discussions in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, covering the Ukraine conflict, bilateral relations and regional security.
The meeting took place on July 23 on the sidelines of ASEAN ministerial meetings. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the two sides exchanged views on developments following recent high-level contacts between Russia and the United States.
On Ukraine, Lavrov presented Russia’s assessment of the latest situation along the line of contact. He described the continued supply of weapons to Ukraine as unacceptable and argued that the activities of some European countries were undermining prospects for a political settlement.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov reaffirmed Moscow’s readiness to pursue a political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukraine conflict. He said Russia remained committed to proposals advanced by the United States during the 2025 meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska.
Following the talks, Rubio said the United States was prepared to play a constructive role in efforts to end the war in Ukraine. He noted that the central challenge was to find a settlement acceptable to both sides and said diplomatic efforts would continue.
The two foreign ministers also discussed regional and international issues, including the situation in the Persian Gulf.
Lavrov and Rubio welcomed the resumption of full-scale contacts between Russia’s Roscosmos space agency and the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration. They also expressed support for reviving interparliamentary exchanges and cultural ties between the two countries.
The talks also addressed efforts to normalise operating conditions for Russian and US diplomatic missions and to resolve existing problems affecting their embassies.
Both sides agreed to maintain contacts between their foreign ministries and continue dialogue through their activities in international organisations.
