Moscow (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he is ready to meet United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but Russia’s interests must be considered for peace in Ukraine.
Why did rumours emerge about Lavrov losing Putin’s favour?When did Lavrov last meet with Rubio?
“Secretary of State Marco Rubio and I understand the need for regular communication,”
Lavrov told state news agency RIA.
“It is important for discussing the Ukrainian issue and promoting the bilateral agenda. That is why we communicate by telephone and are ready to hold face-to-face meetings when necessary,”
Lavrov said.
As reported by Reuters, the Kremlin dismissed rumours on Friday that Lavrov had lost favour with Vladimir Putin after attempts to arrange a summit between the Russian president and Donald Trump were delayed last month.
Why did rumours emerge about Lavrov losing Putin’s favour?
According to reports, Lavrov missed an important Kremlin meeting this week, which he usually attends. Putin selected someone else to go to the G20 summit in South Africa later this month, a position that Lavrov has held before.
For the past two weeks, the Foreign Ministry has not shared Lavrov’s travel plans or speaking engagements for the upcoming week. These events have led to speculation that Lavrov might have lost favour with Putin because of the failed plans for the summit in Budapest.
Other media reported that the US cancelled the new summit after Lavrov’s ministry sent a message showing Moscow was not ready to compromise on its demands regarding Ukraine. Britain’s Financial Times mentioned a source suggesting that Lavrov’s talk with Rubio had turned Washington away.
When did Lavrov last meet with Rubio?
Lavrov spoke by phone to Rubio last time on October 20 to discuss the possible summit, days after it was announced by Trump following a phone call with Putin.
Marco Rubio and Russia’s foreign minister last met in New York in September 2025. This meeting occurred just one day after President Trump said Russia looked
“like a paper tiger.”
The American and Russian officials talked about the need for a resolution to the war, according to statements from both sides. Rubio also restated Trump’s call for the violence to end and for Moscow to take real steps toward a lasting solution to the Russia-Ukraine war.
The Russian statement highlighted the “understanding” between Russia and the United States. It pointed out their
“mutual interest in finding peaceful solutions”
and agreed to keep the dialogue going. The statement also criticised
“schemes promoted by Kyiv and certain European capitals that aim to prolong the conflict.”
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