US State Secretary says he had 'good, frank talks' with Russian foreign minister in 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.

REUTERS

July 24, 2026

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

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum, part of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines, on July 23, 2026.

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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