Tensions in Ukraine and Iran: Rubio Meets Lavrov in Manila

On the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Manila, the Philippines, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The talks took place as the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran continue to escalate.

Before the meeting, Rubio said that the war in Ukraine would be included in discussions with his Russian counterpart.

He said he was not sure whether “applying pressure” was the appropriate phrase, but confirmed that the two sides would discuss the issue. According to Rubio, the conflict in Ukraine has hindered cooperation between the US and Russia in many areas, but that does not mean the two countries will not seek opportunities to cooperate in other fields.

The top US diplomat also stressed that Washington aims to bring the war in Ukraine to an end and will assess whether new circumstances have emerged that could allow peace negotiations to resume.

Rubio and Lavrov did not answer reporters’ questions about allegations that Russia is helping Iran carry out attacks against US forces. They also did not comment on whether Moscow plans to halt its military offensive in Ukraine.

The meeting comes at a time when diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine have stalled. At the same time, the conflict between the US and Iran has reignited through reciprocal attacks that have caused casualties on both sides.

During his campaign, US President Donald Trump said he would end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of returning to the White House. However, more than 500 days after the start of Trump’s second term, the fighting continues and a peace agreement is still nowhere in sight.