Rubio Engages Lavrov in Manila to Discuss Ending Ukraine Conflict
WHO:
AP News - Rubio stated that President Trump was committed to the work “if conditions and factors have changed to make that possible.”
NY Post - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio
AP News - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
AP News - President Donald Trump
AP News - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
WHAT:
AP News - Rubio mentioned that U.S. efforts to broker an end to the Russia-Ukraine war have been overshadowed by the outbreak of the Iran war earlier this year.
AP News - Rubio stated, “The price will continue to get higher every single night until they come to their senses,” regarding the situation with Iran.
NY Post - Rubio stated that the United States is prepared to play a "constructive role" in ending the war in Ukraine.
AP News - Rubio described the war as "senseless" and acknowledged that there is no quick path to a deal.
AP News - Rubio referred to past U.S.-mediated talks as "unsuccessful or at least unfruitful."
AP News - Lavrov emphasized the "unacceptability of further arming" Ukraine.
AP News - Rubio confirmed that Washington's military support for Ukraine remains unchanged.
WHERE:
NY Post - The meeting took place in Manila, Philippines, during an ASEAN gathering.
AP News - The talks were held on the sidelines of an annual gathering by foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
WHEN:
AP News - The meeting occurred on a Thursday.
WHY:
AP News - Rubio stated that both Moscow and Kyiv should have the incentive to end the "very blood war" that has devastated both sides.
AP News - Rubio mentioned that the challenge is finding an end that both sides can accept.
HOW:
AP News - Rubio indicated that new suggestions and ideas are necessary for a peace deal that is acceptable to both sides.
AP News - Rubio indicated that diplomacy will require sustained effort and new ideas.
(UPDATED July 23, 2026 16:26 UTC)
Senator Rubio has stated that President Trump is committed to working towards a resolution if conditions allow for it. He noted that U.S. efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war have been overshadowed by the ongoing conflict in Iran, emphasizing that “the price will continue to get higher every single night until they come to their senses.” Rubio also highlighted the need for new suggestions and ideas to create a peace deal that is acceptable to both sides.
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(UPDATED July 23, 2026 11:38 UTC)
In a significant meeting held in Manila during an ASEAN gathering, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed that the United States is ready to play a "constructive role" in ending the war in Ukraine, describing the conflict as "senseless" and acknowledging the challenges in reaching a deal. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized the "unacceptability of further arming" Ukraine, while Rubio confirmed that Washington's military support for Ukraine remains unchanged. Rubio highlighted the need for both Moscow and Kyiv to find an acceptable resolution to this "very bloody war," stating that achieving this will require sustained diplomatic efforts and new ideas.