07/25/2026
Russia’s proposals from Anchorage were NOT acceptable to Ukraine then, so are even LESS acceptable now — Rubio told Lavrov. He told him also that Russia has to come up with some new ideas if it wants peace negotiations.
Their meeting in Manila lasted just 35 minutes and ended with diplomatic lip service. Although I think Rubio enjoys telling Lavrov “sorry, pal but you really thought Trump would go for your Anchorage bollocks?” — well not in so many such words — that’s my interpretation.
Russia says Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where he:
Insisted further arms deliveries to Ukraine are "unacceptable."
Claimed to brief Rubio on the "real" situation on the battlefield.
Reaffirmed Moscow's stated willingness to pursue a political and diplomatic settlement based on proposals discussed during the reported Putin–Trump meeting in Anchorage.
Discussed improving the functioning of Russian and US diplomatic missions.
Agreed to continue contacts between the two countries' foreign ministries.
The statement reflects the Russian Foreign Ministry's official account of the conversation.
Rubio was succinct and stressed that Trump remained focused on ending the conflict because "people stop dying" and so Ukraine could rebuild while young Russian soldiers were no longer being killed.
"He thinks it's a stupid war. He thinks it's a senseless war," Rubio said.
