Rubio says U.S. is ready to help end war in Ukraine but no quick deal ahead

Key Points:

• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed the Trump administration's readiness to help end the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need for sustained diplomatic efforts and new ideas, while acknowledging past U.S.-mediated talks have been unfruitful.
• Rubio met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other leaders at the ASEAN summit in Manila, discussing international conflicts including the Ukraine war, Middle East tensions, and South China Sea disputes.
• Despite ongoing military support for Ukraine, Rubio noted the necessity of finding mutually acceptable solutions, while also highlighting escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and warning Iran of severe consequences for hostile actions.
• China defended its recent missile test and maritime actions in the South China Sea, which Australia and the Philippines criticized as destabilizing and aggressive; Rubio called for careful management of these incidents to avoid broader conflict.
• ASEAN aims to finalize a non-aggression code of conduct with China this year to prevent major conflicts in the disputed South China Sea, a vital global trade route involving multiple regional claimants.