In Manila, US State Secretary says he had 'good, frank talks' with Russian foreign minister

MANILA — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that he had a "good, frank conversation" with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, adding that Washington was prepared to play a constructive role in efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

"We are prepared to play a constructive role in bringing about an end to a senseless war, and we're ready to do that," Rubio told reporters on the sidelines of a gathering of top diplomats in Manila.

Rubio did not provide details about the discussion with Lavrov but said the talks were part of ongoing diplomatic efforts related to the conflict.

-Reporting by Michael Martina; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by David Stanway/Reuters