WASHINGTON () Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States and Russia have exchanged new ideas for Ukraine peace talks after he met Thursday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Malaysia.
“I think it’s a new and a different approach,” Rubio told reporters. “I wouldn’t characterize it as something that guarantees a peace, but it’s a concept that, you know, that I’ll take back to the president.”
He didn’t elaborate.
Rubio said President Donald Trump has been “disappointed and frustrated that there’s not been more flexibility on the Russian side to bring about an end to this conflict.
“We hope that can change … and we’re going to continue to stay involved where we see opportunities to make a difference,” he said.
The visit, which lasted around 40 minutes, came hours after the U.S. resumed shipments of defensive weapons to Ukraine, following a Pentagon review of domestic stockpiles.
The annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum provided the backdrop for the meeting, which marked Rubio and Lavrov’s second in-person visit since Rubio took office. The forum includes all 10 ASEAN members along with key diplomatic partners, including Russia, China, the U.S., Japan, South Korea and the EU.
Trump: ‘I’m not happy’ with Putin
Russia has ramped up airstrikes on Kyiv, killing at least two people overnight Thursday and injuring more than a dozen.
President Donald Trump, increasingly frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has voiced criticism over his lack of action in trying to end the war.
“I’ve been letting people know I’m not happy with what’s going on,” Trump said of Putin during a meeting with his Cabinet on Tuesday. “It’s a war that should never have happened. They’re losing 7,000 people a week on both sides.”
A senior White House official told that Trump is equally frustrated with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, describing them as “impossible” to deal with.
Senate pushing forward with Russia sanctions
Sanctions were also a major topic in Thursday’s toalks, as Trump continues to threaten additional penalties against Moscow.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he hopes to advance a new sanctions package before Congress breaks for its August recess.
“I hope that we can get it on the floor before the August recess,” Thune told reporters Wednesday. “We are working with the administration, with the House to try and get it in a form where it’s ready.”
A senior administration official told that any final decision will be “instinctual,” but Trump is leaning toward action.
Ukraine requests Patriot missile systems
Ukraine has requested that the U.S. provide it with Patriot missiles, which are capable of intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles as well as advanced aircraft, though there have been concerns within the Pentagon that the U.S. supply is running low.
Trump acknowledged the request but said no final decision has been made.
“They would like it, they’ve asked for it,” Trump said. “I know they made the request. We’re going to have to take a look at it.”
While Trump has previously signaled support for sending the system, it remains unclear whether the U.S. will follow through.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
