- Top US and Russian Diplomats Expected to Discuss Ukraine Conflict and Bilateral Issues
WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov are scheduled to hold a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ministerial events in the Philippines on Wednesday, according to the US Department of State.
The meeting is set to begin at 11:50 a.m. local time (06:50 Moscow time / 03:50 GMT), based on Secretary Rubio’s official schedule released by the State Department.
Photo Opportunity Planned Before Closed-Door Talks
The US State Department said a brief photo opportunity would take place at the start of the meeting before the two diplomats proceed to their discussions.
Officials noted that the schedule remains subject to change and did not disclose further details regarding the agenda or expected outcomes of the talks.
Ukraine Conflict Expected to Dominate Agenda
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had earlier confirmed that he would meet with Secretary Rubio during the ASEAN ministerial gatherings on July 23.
According to Lavrov, one of the key topics of discussion will be recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who has suggested that the conflict in Ukraine could be resolved quickly.
The meeting is also expected to provide an opportunity for the two sides to exchange views on broader bilateral issues and regional security concerns amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Moscow.
First High-Level Engagement at ASEAN Gathering
The talks come as senior diplomats from major global powers gather in the Philippines for the ASEAN ministerial meetings, where regional security, geopolitical developments, and international cooperation are among the principal issues on the agenda.
The Rubio-Lavrov meeting will be closely watched for any indications of renewed diplomatic engagement between the United States and Russia, particularly on the Ukraine conflict and other pressing international issues.
BY: The Times Union
