Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, that he will meet his U.S. counterpart, Marco Rubio, in Manila, Philippines, on Thursday, July 23, 2026. The meeting is expected to focus on the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
A Meeting on the ASEAN Sidelines
Lavrov told reporters the talks would take place on the margins of a regional gathering of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He described the meeting as ‘useful in any case’ and emphasized the value of raising issues directly and providing answers.
U.S. Openness to Dialogue
Earlier, on Monday, July 20, 2026, Rubio had told journalists he was open to meeting both Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Lavrov, saying, ‘We’re willing to meet with them.’ When asked about potential discussion topics, he declined to specify, calling such matters ‘sensitive’.
Broader Regional Context
Rubio’s participation in the Manila summit comes amid growing U.S. efforts to counter Beijing’s expanding influence across Southeast Asia. It also follows recent allegations by former U.S. President Donald Trump, made last week, accusing China of interfering in the 2020 U.S. elections.
Iran and Energy Security on the Agenda
Iran is also expected to feature prominently in the discussions. Many Asian countries — particularly those without domestic oil production — are feeling the economic strain caused by the war in the Middle East and the ongoing disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.