Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced he will meet his US counterpart Marco Rubio in Manila on Thursday for talks focused on the war in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Lavrov told journalists on Wednesday that 'the meeting will be useful in all cases. It is good to ask questions and get answers,' adding that the meeting will take place on Thursday on the sidelines of a meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers in the Philippine capital.

Russia condemned the recent strikes carried out by Washington on its ally Iran.

Talks between Russia and Ukraine have been stalled for months, especially as the attention of the United States, which mediates them, has been diverted to the war with Iran.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks with his US counterpart Marco Rubio in Kuala Lumpur on July 11, 2025 (Reuters)

Negotiations between the two sides in Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, and Geneva have not achieved any breakthrough on the fundamental issue of sovereignty over territories, particularly in eastern Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump expressed support for the long-range strikes carried out by Ukraine on Russia targeting energy infrastructure, saying they could 'help put an end' to the war.

Ukraine has intensified its drone strikes on Russia in recent months, targeting refineries, oil depots, and cargo ships, causing fuel shortages in Russia.