Rubio meets Russian foreign minister with Ukraine tensions high
Share this @internewscast.com


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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Intensifying Dispute Over Book Bans in Beaufort County

BEAUFORT COUNTY, SC () – A battle between one Beaufort County woman…

Lamar Mental Wellness Center in Augusta Supports Mental Health

AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The Lamar Mental Wellness Center near the Turpin…

Aiken Resident Charged with Child Exploitation

AIKEN, S.C. () – A man has been taken into custody by…

Reward of $35,000 Announced for Information on Suspect in Shooting at ICE Detention Facility

() A manhunt is underway for a man accused of shooting at…

Michelle Obama Expresses Feeling ‘Absolutely Free’

(The Hill) – Michelle Obama, the former first lady, who has recently…

Aftermath of Oglethorpe Mall Shooting: District Attorney Seeks Evidence Preservation from Vendors, Sheriff in Dispute with Mall Management

SAVANNAH, Ga. () – One week after the shooting at Oglethorpe Mall,…

Illinois Soccer Prepares for Hultin’s Debut Season, Announces Non-Conference Lineup

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois women’s soccer has unveiled the first non-conference…

Asian markets mostly rise following strong performance from major tech stocks on Wall Street

Asian markets mostly advanced on Thursday, driven by a surge in U.S.…

The United States is experiencing its highest number of measles cases in over 30 years.

The U.S. is having its worst year for measles spread in more…

MMA Fighter Ben Askren Claims He ‘Died Four Times’ and Underwent a Double Lung Transplant

Former Olympic wrestler and MMA star Ben Askren is revealing details about…

Delta Travelers Spend the Night Stranded on a Remote Mid-Atlantic Island

A Delta aircraft encountered engine difficulties during its planned trans-Atlantic journey, resulting…

Live Stream: Forest Service Chief Provides Testimony to the Senate

National Forest Service (NFS) Chief Tom Schultz on Thursday will testify before…