According to reports, on July 23, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov met with US Secretary of State Rubio on the sidelines of the ASEAN meeting in Manila, Philippines. The meeting lasted about 35 minutes—their first face-to-face talks since September 2025.
After the meeting, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakharova said the discussions focused on bilateral relations and major international issues. She noted that Lavrov warned the US against continuing to send weapons to Kyiv, while criticizing European countries for pursuing destructive policies aimed at inflicting a “strategic defeat” on Russia.
She also revealed that Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s readiness to resolve the conflict through diplomatic means.
Rubio, speaking to reporters after the meeting, described the dialogue as “good and candid,” adding that the US remains prepared to “play a constructive role in ending this senseless war.”
He noted that any final solution would require “new thinking and new ideas,” and added that Washington is still willing to propose new initiatives and play a constructive role when conditions are right.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin warned against reading too much into the meeting. Russian presidential press secretary Peskov said ongoing engagement is “positive,” but stressed that there is currently “no new momentum” or acceleration in the negotiation process.
He added that Moscow continues to maintain dialogue with Washington through existing channels, hoping to resume face-to-face consultations in the Russian capital once US negotiators are able to travel.