Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio have held rare face-to-face talks on the sidelines of an ASEAN meeting in Malaysia, discussing the war in Ukraine, as well as developments in Iran and Syria.
It was Rubio’s second in-person meeting with Lavrov. The two had previously met in February and spoken by phone in May and June.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement following the meeting in Kuala Lumpur, “A substantive and frank exchange of views took place on the settlement of the situation around Ukraine, the situation around Iran and Syria, as well as a number of other international issues.”
Both sides reportedly expressed interest in easing tensions and resuming dialogue in areas beyond the battlefield.
The ministry added that Lavrov and Rubio confirmed their mutual desire to find peaceful solutions to conflicts, restore Russian-American economic and humanitarian cooperation, and facilitate unimpeded contacts between the societies of the two countries.
The Russian side also described the meeting as constructive, saying dialogue between Moscow and Washington would continue.
Rubio, speaking to reporters after the 50-minute meeting, disclosed that he had delivered a clear message about the need for progress on the war in Ukraine. “I had a frank and important conversation with Minister Lavrov,” Rubio said.
He said that US President, Donald Trump remained disappointed with what Washington views as a lack of flexibility from Moscow.
“I echoed what the President (Donald Trump) said, both a disappointment and frustration at the lack of progress.”
Marco Rubio
Trump has been growing increasingly frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying the Russian leader was throwing a lot of “b*******” at US efforts to end the war that started with Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
While the Biden administration had maintained a steady, if cautious, supply line to Ukraine, it is Trump’s recent reversal that has drawn attention.
After long championing rapprochement with Vladimir Putin and even scaling back military support for Ukraine during his presidency, Trump has in recent days executed a sharp pivot.
Rubio said that he and Lavrov shared some ideas, including “a new or a different approach” from the Russian side, which he would relay to Trump upon his return.
“We need to see a roadmap moving forward about how this conflict can conclude.”
Marco Rubio
Rubio also signalled that a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi may take place during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathering. “I think we’re working on that – maybe, maybe we’ll meet,” he said at a press conference.
The meeting between the top Russian and US diplomats comes at a time of heightened global polarisation, with ASEAN serving as one of the few venues where dialogue among rival powers still takes place.
Intensified Russian Attacks In Ukraine
Rubio’s second in-person meeting with Lavrov came amid intensified Russian attacks in Ukraine.
Russian missiles and drones struck Kyiv early Thursday, forcing thousands into shelters as Ukraine’s air defences struggle under intensifying attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia launched 18 missiles and around 400 drones, following a record 728-drone barrage the night before.
The meeting also coincided with a parallel diplomatic effort in Europe. Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni is hosting European leaders in Rome on Thursday for a separate summit focused on Ukraine, reflecting a broader international push to revive peace negotiations and pressure Russia diplomatically.
Analysts say the optics of the meeting, especially with Russia escalating attacks and Trump pivoting away from his earlier friendly stance toward Putin, signal a possible turning point in US-Russia relations. “The tone has clearly changed. Rubio came in not to negotiate, but to warn.” said one Western diplomat familiar with the agenda
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