US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed the Trump administration's readiness to help end the 'absurd war' Russia is waging in Ukraine, calling for continued diplomatic efforts and new ideas to reach an agreement between Moscow and Kyiv.

After a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov — the first between them since September 2025, on the sidelines of the annual ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in the Philippine capital Manila — the top US diplomat said Moscow and Kyiv must have an incentive to end a 'very bloody war' that has devastated both countries. Acknowledging that past US-mediated talks were 'unsuccessful or at least unfruitful,' he affirmed that President Donald Trump is committed to work 'if circumstances and factors change to allow it.'

Rubio told reporters in Manila on Thursday: 'That has been the challenge — reaching an end that both sides accept.' He added: 'We have tried, and we will continue to try to see if we can find a compromise that achieves that. We are prepared to play that role if the opportunity arises.'

In addition to Lavrov, Rubio met with several other foreign ministers, including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. He said the United States is focused on Asia even as the war with Iran escalates, seeks a way to end the war in Ukraine, and pressures the Cuban government to make changes to its system.

American Engagement

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaking with his team during the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in the Philippines (Reuters)

The three-day ASEAN meetings focused on international conflicts, including the escalation of the war in the Middle East and tensions in the South China Sea, where a new clash occurred on Thursday.

Rubio said: 'There will always be concern that America is so focused on one place that it cannot focus on another,' adding that the United States remains 'engaged in Asia every day.' He cited strong partnerships and economic relations throughout the region as evidence.

After his meeting with Rubio, the Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow announced that Lavrov affirmed to Rubio 'the unacceptability of further arming Ukraine,' accusing European countries of seeking a 'strategic defeat for Russia.' It added that Lavrov reiterated Moscow's readiness for a 'political and diplomatic solution to the conflict' and its commitment to agreements reached at a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump in Alaska last year.

Nevertheless, Rubio said: 'We will have to find new proposals and ideas' acceptable to both sides to reach a peace agreement.

In response to a question about arms shipments that Moscow referred to, Rubio replied: 'There has been no change in our policy on this matter' under an initiative launched last year allowing Ukraine to receive US equipment purchased by NATO allies. However, 'we want a peace agreement. We want to end the war' with 'an agreement that satisfies Russia and Ukraine.'

Shortly before this meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he spoke with two US envoys in an attempt to revive stalled talks aimed at ending the years-long war. He wrote on social media platforms that he had just spoken with Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. He said: 'It was a productive and important dialogue on how to revitalize diplomacy and bring peace closer.'

China's Activities

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Manila, Philippines (AP)

On another front, China defended its naval military operations, while Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong renewed her country's concern over the recent Chinese navy test launch of a missile from a nuclear-powered submarine in the region, adding that the failure to notify the Philippines and Pacific island nations over which the missile flew and where it landed is destabilizing. Speaking at a university forum in Manila, she said: 'This comes in the context of a rapid military buildup of China's nuclear arsenal without the transparency or assurances the region expects. That is why Australia described the test as provocative and destabilizing.'

China defended its actions, saying the launch was part of annual exercises and that it had properly notified regional countries in advance.

Rubio held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, then told reporters that he discussed with Wang a new skirmish that occurred this week between Chinese and Philippine forces in a disputed area of the South China Sea, describing the incident as 'escalatory.' He added: 'These matters must be managed with great caution, because it is clear that any conflict — whether economic or otherwise — between the United States and China would have a huge global impact.'

He also said the talks touched on Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Washington, scheduled for next September, expressing his belief that it will be 'very positive.'

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