Lavrov and Rubio Hold High-Level Talks in Manila. Meeting Lasts for 35 Minutes

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Manila during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, holding approximately 35 minutes of talks that covered Ukraine, regional security and bilateral relations. Both sides agreed to maintain diplomatic contacts despite ongoing disagreements over key international issues. Ukraine Remains the Central Focus Speaking after the meeting, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia and the United States continue diplomatic contacts on resolving the conflict in Ukraine but cautioned against expecting rapid progress. "I would not be overly optimistic at this stage. Contacts are taking place, and that is always positive, but it is too early to speak of any new momentum or acceleration," Peskov said.