Lumpur, July 11, 2025 — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday to discuss a “new and different approach” to ending the war in Ukraine, despite growing frustration over stalled negotiations and escalating violence.
The 50-minute meeting, held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Malaysia, marked the second in-person encounter between the two diplomats since Rubio assumed office. Speaking to reporters afterward, Rubio acknowledged the lack of progress but hinted at fresh diplomatic possibilities. “I wouldn’t characterize it as something that guarantees peace,” he said, “but it’s a concept that I’ll take back to the president”.
Rubio echoed President Donald Trump’s mounting dissatisfaction with Moscow’s inflexibility. “The president has been disappointed and frustrated that there’s not been more flexibility on the Russian side,” Rubio noted, adding that the U.S. remains committed to engaging “where we see opportunities to make a difference”.
Lavrov, for his part, described the talks as a “substantive and frank exchange,” according to a statement from Russia’s Foreign Ministry. The two sides reportedly discussed broader geopolitical issues, including Iran, Syria, and the normalization of bilateral diplomatic relations.
The meeting came just hours after Russia launched a massive drone and missile assault on Kyiv, killing two and injuring dozens. The attack underscored the urgency of renewed peace efforts and cast a shadow over the diplomatic overtures.
Rubio declined to provide specifics about the new proposal but emphasized the need for a roadmap to end the conflict. “We shared some ideas about what that might look like,” he said, while cautioning against overpromising outcomes.
The Trump administration recently resumed shipments of defensive weapons to Ukraine following a brief Pentagon-ordered pause. Rubio clarified that aid is continuing “according to the established schedule,” despite earlier reports suggesting a halt.
As the war enters its fourth year, the U.S. is intensifying its diplomatic push, even as Russia maintains maximalist demands, including Ukraine’s disarmament and the lifting of all sanctions. Whether the “new approach” signals a genuine shift or a tactical maneuver remains to be seen.
Rubio and Lavrov Explore ‘New Approach’ to Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Mounting FrustrationKuala
