Rubio Meets With Russia As Trump Mulls Sanctions After Brutal Ukraine Attacks

As Russia intensifies its brutal missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Thursday in Malaysia, offering what he called “a new and different approach” aimed at pushing Moscow toward a ceasefire.

The meeting took place during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum, where Rubio met Lavrov face-to-face for a 50-minute closed-door discussion. While details remain scarce, Rubio acknowledged the talks didn’t guarantee peace but offered a “concept” to take back to President Donald Trump.

“We need to see a roadmap moving forward about how this conflict can conclude,” Rubio told reporters. “We’re going to continue to stay involved where we see opportunities to make a difference.”

This diplomacy comes just days after Russia launched two of its deadliest assaults on Ukraine this year including a massive strike involving 18 missiles and 400 drones that killed a 68-year-old woman and a 22-year-old police officer in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned it as a “clear escalation of terror.”

• Russia targeted residential areas across eight districts in Kyiv, burning homes, offices, and infrastructure.

• Zelensky called for accelerated sanctions and increased weapons support from U.S. and European partners.

• The Kremlin described the U.S.-Russia meeting as a “substantive and frank exchange”, highlighting goals to normalize diplomatic ties and resume air travel.

Meanwhile, President Trump has made clear he’s running out of patience with Putin. Earlier this week, he bluntly told reporters: “We get a lot of bulls** thrown at us by Putin.”*

Trump also confirmed that the U.S. will send more defensive weapons to Ukraine, and top congressional Republicans, including Sen. Lindsey Graham and Speaker Mike Johnson, are urging the president to impose sweeping sanctions including 500% tariffs on countries importing Russian oil, gas, and uranium.

Russia’s behavior increasingly appears to be a direct challenge to Trump’s leadership. After months of diplomacy and pressure, Putin has answered with bombs, drone swarms, and civilian casualties. The message is clear: Putin is testing Trump’s resolve and Trump is preparing to respond.

While Rubio’s meeting may have opened a diplomatic window, the broader reality is this: there can be no peace until Russia feels real consequences for its aggression. That means tougher sanctions, stronger military support for Ukraine, and a clear message that America under Trump will not tolerate terror, chaos, or cowardice.

The world is watching and so is President Trump.

Share this update with someone who still believes diplomacy alone will stop tyrants. Subscribe to our newsletter now for more critical coverage of global security and leadership.