Rubio says 'new ideas' needed for peace in Ukraine; EU approves 21st sanctions package against Russia

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said after meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Manila that “new ideas” will be required to reach a peace agreement on Ukraine. He noted that previous proposals were not acceptable to Ukraine and likely would be even less acceptable now. Rubio emphasized that the US is prepared to play a positive role if the opportunity and conditions arise.

During the meeting, Lavrov warned the US against continuing “unacceptable” arms deliveries to Ukraine, stating that Moscow considers such actions unacceptable. He also condemned the “destabilizing policy” of European countries, which, according to him, still seek to inflict a “strategic defeat” on Russia. This was the first meeting between Lavrov and Rubio since September 2025.

At a press conference, Rubio also commented on President Donald Trump’s view, saying Trump considers the war “stupid” and “senseless,” and the US is ready to act to end it if an opportunity arises. He added that both sides should have an incentive to make peace, as the war has caused enormous losses for both Russia and Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the European Union finally approved its 21st sanctions package against Russia on Thursday morning after weeks of delay. The deal was reached after Greece secured a one-year exemption from a ban on transporting Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to non-EU countries, provided the contract was signed before Russia’s full-scale invasion. The exemption protects Greek shipping company Dynagas, which specializes in LNG transport from Russia’s Yamal fields.

The sanctions package includes measures against 32 Russian banks, crypto firms, and oil trading platforms, as well as a freeze on the annual oil price cap adjustment for 12 months. For the first time, vessels assisting Russia’s shadow fleet are targeted. However, a plan to ban Russian combatants from entering the EU has been postponed, though there is a pledge to bring forward the necessary measures.