Rubio after meeting Lavrov: New ideas needed to achieve peace in Ukraine

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, after meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Manila, stated that new ideas are necessary to achieve peace in Ukraine, as previous proposals have not been acceptable.

"If peace comes, it will be because of some new idea and some new concepts, and we are prepared to offer those in the right setting and form if the opportunity presents itself and the conditions are right," Rubio said. He added that the US will continue to seek a "middle ground" to end the war.

Rubio emphasized that President Trump considers the war "stupid" and "senseless," and the US is ready to use its power and influence to end it if an opportunity arises. He noted that both sides have an incentive to make peace, as the war is devastating for both Ukraine and Russia.

During the meeting, Lavrov warned the US against continuing "unacceptable" arms deliveries to Ukraine. The Russian Foreign Ministry statement said Lavrov condemned the "destabilizing policy" of European countries seeking to inflict a "strategic defeat" on Russia.

Meanwhile, after weeks of delay, the European Union agreed on its 21st package of sanctions against Russia, granting a concession to Greece. Greece secured a one-year exemption from an earlier EU measure, allowing it to transport liquefied natural gas to non-EU countries if the contract was signed before Russia's full-scale invasion. The carve-out protects Greek shipping company Dynagas, which specializes in LNG transport from Russia's Yamal fields.

The sanctions package includes measures targeting crypto companies, banks, and oil traders helping Russia evade sanctions. It also extends the oil price cap for 12 months. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the sanctions "continue to weaken the economic foundations of Russia's war effort."