Russia Warns US Against Ukraine Arms Sales in Manila Meeting

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned the United States against what Moscow described as "unacceptable" arms deliveries to Ukraine during talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, Philippines, on Thursday.

According to Russia's Foreign Ministry, Lavrov reiterated Moscow's opposition to continued U.S. military assistance to Kyiv and said further weapons shipments would only prolong the conflict. He also maintained that Russia remains open to a political and diplomatic settlement of the war.

The U.S. State Department said the meeting focused on the broader U.S.-Russia relationship and efforts to end the war in Ukraine. After the talks, Rubio said Washington remains committed to helping facilitate a peace agreement if both Russia and Ukraine are willing to negotiate. However, he stressed that U.S. policy on military assistance to Ukraine has not changed.

The meeting came as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continue to face major obstacles. Rubio acknowledged that no quick breakthrough should be expected but said the United States would continue pursuing dialogue alongside its support for Ukraine.

The Manila talks also covered other international issues, including tensions in the Middle East and security concerns in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting the broad agenda at the ASEAN summit.