Rubio meets Russian foreign minister with Ukraine tensions high
Share and Follow


WASHINGTON () Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Thursday in Malaysia as tensions rise over Moscow’s increasing attacks on Ukraine.

The annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum will provide the backdrop for the meeting, which marks Rubio and Lavrov’s second in-person visit since Rubio took office. The forum includes all 10 ASEAN members along with key diplomatic partners, including Russia, China, the U.S., Japan, South Korea and the EU.

The visit came hours after the U.S. resumed shipments of defensive weapons to Ukraine, following a Pentagon review of domestic stockpiles.

Trump: ‘I’m not happy’ with Putin

Russia has ramped up airstrikes on Kyiv, killing at least two people overnight Thursday and injuring more than a dozen.

President Donald Trump, increasingly frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has voiced criticism over his lack of action in trying to end the war.

“I’ve been letting people know I’m not happy with what’s going on,” Trump said of Putin during a meeting with his Cabinet on Tuesday. “It’s a war that should never have happened. They’re losing 7,000 people a week on both sides.”

A senior White House official told that Trump is equally frustrated with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, describing them as “impossible” to deal with.

Senate pushing forward with Russia sanctions 

Sanctions could be a major topic in Thursday’s talks, as Trump continues to threaten additional penalties against Moscow.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he hopes to advance a new sanctions package before Congress breaks for its August recess.

“I hope that we can get it on the floor before the August recess,” Thune told reporters Wednesday. “We are working with the administration, with the House to try and get it in a form where it’s ready.”

A senior administration official told that any final decision will be “instinctual,” but Trump is leaning toward action.

Ukraine requests Patriot missile systems

Ukraine has requested that the U.S. provide it with Patriot missiles, which are capable of intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles as well as advanced aircraft, though there have been concerns within the Pentagon that the U.S. supply is running low.

Trump acknowledged the request but said no final decision has been made. 

“They would like it, they’ve asked for it,” Trump said. “I know they made the request. We’re going to have to take a look at it.”

While Trump has previously signaled support for sending the system, it remains unclear whether the U.S. will follow through.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Jacksonville honors those who served with spectacular Veterans Day parade

Jacksonville Commemorates Veterans Day with a Remarkable Parade to Honor Service Members

In a vibrant display of patriotism, the streets of downtown Jacksonville were…
Kim Kardashian DELETES photos with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Kim Kardashian Removes Photos Featuring Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

In a surprising move, photos of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have…
Barack Obama boards Honor Flight to DC in surprise veterans

Barack Obama Joins Veterans on Honor Flight to DC in Unforgettable Surprise Visit

In a heartwarming surprise, Barack Obama made an unexpected appearance on a…
BMW driver loses bid to toss murder charges in high-speed Pepperdine U crash that killed 4 students

BMW Driver’s Appeal Denied: Murder Charges Stand in Fatal Pepperdine University Crash

A California man facing charges for a tragic accident that claimed the…
Camp Mystic leaders prioritized equipment, told children to 'shelter in place' as flooding closed in: lawsuit

Lawsuit Claims Camp Mystic Leaders Focused on Gear Over Children’s Safety During Flooding

Summer camps review safety plans after Texas flooding In light of a…
Surging Knicks dismantle Grizzlies to extend win streak to five games

Dominant Knicks Triumph Over Grizzlies, Celebrate Fifth Consecutive Victory

The Knicks have turned their game into a seamless display of skill.…
FILE - The Food and Drug Administration seal is seen at the Hubert Humphrey Building Auditorium in Washington, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

FDA Appoints Esteemed Cancer Scientist Pazdur as Head of Drug Center

WASHINGTON (AP) — On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration announced the…
Texas man accused of child sex crimes avoids jail in plea deal with Soros-backed prosecutor: report

Texas Child Sex Crime Case: Controversial Plea Deal Sparks Outrage Amid Soros-Backed Prosecutor’s Decision

A Texas man charged with multiple counts of child sexual assault will…