Rubio Meets With Russia, Pursues New Approach After Deadly Attacks On Ukraine

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Malaysia on Thursday, seeking to push Russia toward peace with Ukraine through “a new and different approach.”

Following the talks, Rubio did not specify what exactly was said, but told reporters, “I think it’s a new and a different approach. I wouldn’t characterize it as something that guarantees peace, but it’s a concept that I’ll take back to the president,” the Associated Press reported. The meeting between the United States and Russia took place at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum, where 10 nations, including Russia, China, and the United States, gather for their annual meeting.

Despite the Trump administration’s continued efforts to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine, Russia has launched two massive missile and drone attacks on Ukraine this week after President Donald Trump expressed disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin’s escalation has frustrated President Trump, who said earlier this week, “We get a lot of bulls*** thrown at us by Putin.”

Rubio acknowledged Trump’s displeasure with Russia, telling reporters after the 50-minute meeting, “We need to see a roadmap moving forward about how this conflict can conclude. And then we shared some ideas about what that might look like. We’re going to continue to stay involved where we see opportunities to make a difference.”

Russia’s Foreign Ministry called the discussion with Rubio a “substantive and frank exchange of views.”

“Both countries reaffirmed their mutual commitment to finding peaceful solutions to conflicts, restoring Russian-American economic and humanitarian cooperation, and unimpeded contact between the societies of the two countries, something which could be facilitated by resuming direct air traffic,” Russia added. “The importance of further work to normalize bilateral diplomatic relations was also emphasized.”

Russia’s latest attack on Kyiv included 18 missiles and 400 drones, some of which targeted residential areas. Two people were killed in the attack, a 68-year-old woman and a 22-year-old police officer. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Russia’s attack “a clear escalation of terror by Russia.”

“This demands that we speed things up. Sanctions must be imposed faster, and pressure on Russia must be strong enough that they truly feel the consequences of their terror,” Zelensky added. “There’s a need for quicker action from our partners in investing in weapons production and advancing technology.”

The Trump administration said earlier this week that it would send more defensive weapons to Ukraine amid Russia’s increased aggression. Trump is also reportedly considering hitting Russia with sanctions.