US, Russia Resume Ukraine Discussions at ASEAN Conference
Despite Washington’s ‘zigzag’ approach, Moscow sees continued improvement in US-Russia ties.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio convened again on the sidelines of the ASEAN foreign ministers’ summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with discussions centered on the war in Ukraine, according to Russian state media outlet TASS.
The meeting followed a 50 minute dialogue between the two top diplomats the day before. While Friday’s exchange remains undisclosed, Rubio described Thursday’s talks as a discussion on a potential "new and different approach" to peace in Ukraine, cautioning that the idea did not guarantee peace but was worth presenting to President Trump.
Lavrov, speaking to Russian media, said he reiterated Moscow’s stance on resolving the Ukraine conflict, aligning with President Vladimir Putin’s position stated in a July 3 call with President Trump.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry characterized the exchange as "substantive and frank," covering Ukraine, Iran, Syria, and broader global matters. Despite ongoing tensions, Moscow dismissed claims of deteriorating relations with Washington. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that the US's erratic policies were not enough to derail a "positive trend" in bilateral ties. He hinted at the possibility of further US-Russia talks before summer ends.
Both sides signaled cautious openness to continued dialogue. "We are talking, and that is a start," Rubio stated, acknowledging the need for further developments.
US-China Diplomatic Engagement
Rubio also held his first in-person meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Kuala Lumpur, amid efforts to re establish US presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The discussions, described by Rubio as "very constructive," addressed both cooperation and ongoing disagreements.
According to China’s Foreign Ministry, the two diplomats agreed to manage differences while expanding areas of cooperation. Wang urged the US to adopt a rational and pragmatic approach toward China, advocating peaceful coexistence.
Rubio is attending broader regional forums, including the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum, with participation from key nations such as China, Russia, Japan, Australia, India, and the European Union.
Trade Tensions Overshadow Diplomacy
These high level meetings occur against the backdrop of intensifying US-China trade disputes. Beijing has warned Washington against reinstating steep tariffs scheduled for August, which target ASEAN nations, Japan, and South Korea.
While the Biden administration frames the move as part of efforts to "rebalance trade," critics argue it could undermine critical alliances in the Asia-Pacific.
In response, ASEAN’s foreign ministers voiced concerns about escalating global tensions, stressing the need for a transparent, inclusive, and rules based trading system in their joint communique.
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