US Secretary of State Rubio Meets Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov in Manila
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met on July 23, 2026, in Manila during the ASEAN summit to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine. Rubio reiterated that the United States seeks an end to the conflict, which has hindered bilateral cooperation on other global issues. The meeting follows a period of heightened tension and disputed 'Anchorage understandings,' with both sides seeking to clarify their positions on territorial demands and a potential ceasefire.