Rubio to discuss Russia's war against Ukraine at meeting with Lavrov

The Guardian reported this, according to Ukrinform.

Rubio said the United States "would like to see that war come to an end" and stressed that he would raise the issue with Lavrov.

"The war in Ukraine, I think, has in many ways impeded the ability of Russia and the US to find areas of agreements on other topics," Rubio said, adding that Washington and Moscow could still cooperate in certain areas.

Rubio emphasized that the United States is committed to ending the war and noted that "it would be good for Russia if that war came to an end,” so “we will raise it.”

He also said the United States is prepared to play a constructive role in bringing the war to an end if the opportunity arises.

The Secretary of State acknowledged that U.S.-Russia talks had made little significant progress in recent months but said he believes "perhaps there are now new conditions in place that will allow that conversation to happen."

As reported by Ukrinform, Rubio is in Manila to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related East Asia Summit ministerial meetings involving the bloc's 11 participating countries.

Rubio is scheduled to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on July 23. Lavrov is also in the Philippine capital to take part in the ministerial meetings.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine