U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Thursday that the Trump administration is prepared to assist in ending the conflict in Ukraine, but he cautioned that a diplomatic resolution will require sustained effort and novel approaches.
Rubio, speaking in Manila, Philippines, after meeting with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, indicated that both Moscow and Kyiv need an incentive to cease hostilities. He described the ongoing war as "very bloody" and devastating to both sides.
While acknowledging that past U.S.-mediated talks have been "unsuccessful or at least unfruitful," Rubio affirmed President Trump's commitment to pursuing peace if conditions become favorable. "We're prepared to play that role if the opportunity presents itself," he told reporters.
Rubio's remarks came on the sidelines of the annual gathering of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He met with Lavrov and other leaders, including China's foreign minister, during the event.
The U.S. top diplomat addressed concerns about America's focus, noting that while the U.S. is prioritizing Asia, it is also engaged in other global issues, including escalating tensions with Iran and the war in Ukraine. "There’s always going to be a concern that America is so focused on one place that it can’t focus on another," Rubio said, but he stressed the U.S. remains "engaged in Asia every single day" through strong partnerships and economic ties.
Following his meeting with Rubio, Lavrov largely avoided questions from journalists. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Lavrov emphasized to Rubio the "unacceptability of further arming" Ukraine and accused European nations of seeking Russia's "strategic defeat." The ministry also reported Lavrov reiterated Russia's readiness for a "political and diplomatic resolution of the conflict" and adherence to agreements from a previous summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump.
Rubio, however, suggested that "new suggestions and new ideas" acceptable to both parties would be necessary for a peace deal. He confirmed that Washington's military support for Ukraine, facilitated through NATO allies, remains unchanged.
U.S. efforts to mediate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war have been concurrent with escalating conflict with Iran. Rubio mentioned that Iran is "begging" for talks, but the administration does not see the utility in responding as "Iran is clearly not ready to make a deal, at least not one they’re willing to live by."
Rubio also engaged in discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi regarding a recent altercation between Chinese and Filipino forces in the South China Sea. He characterized the incident as "escalatory" and emphasized the need for careful management, given the potential "dramatic global impact" of any conflict between the U.S. and China.
During the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting, discussions also focused on escalating conflict in the Middle East and tensions in the South China Sea. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed alarm over a recent Chinese missile test launch, deeming it "provocative and destabilizing" due to a lack of transparency.
China defended its actions, stating the launch was part of annual exercises and that prior notice was provided. The Philippines coast guard, however, reported that Chinese coast guard ships used water cannons against Filipino vessels near the Scarborough Shoal, calling the actions "illegal, coercive and aggressive."