Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Sunday that he is ready to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio face to face, highlighting ongoing efforts to address the war in Ukraine and wider US Russia relations. Lavrov told Russian state media that he and Rubio recognize the importance of ongoing dialogue, noting they have already held multiple phone discussions and would arrange in person meetings when needed. However, Lavrov insisted that Russia would remain firm on its demands regarding Ukraine, including recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea and territories in the Donbas and southeastern Ukraine. Washington recently cancelled a planned summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, which according to Reuters arose in part from Lavrov’s refusal to make concessions during discussions with Secretary Rubio.

Media outlets such as the Kyiv Independent and Firstpost report that Rubio most recently urged the White House to cancel the Budapest summit after Lavrov continued to press Russia’s hard line. The Kremlin has dismissed reports that Lavrov’s influence has declined due to these developments, but analysts see Rubio’s role in influencing US decisions as significant. Both sides have stated that direct dialogue remains crucial to managing tensions but so far, substantive progress on a Ukraine war resolution remains elusive.

In another key story, Secretary Rubio has publicly supported President Trump’s decision to boycott the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. The boycott is a protest against what both leaders describe as systemic racial discrimination against Afrikaners in South Africa. South Africa’s Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola dismissed Rubio’s claims as politically motivated, sparking diplomatic friction between the two countries.

Meanwhile, political speculation in Washington is focusing on Rubio’s possible future as a vice presidential candidate. According to reporting from Politico and Daily News Egypt, Rubio has expressed strong support for Vice President J D Vance as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination in 2028, saying he would back Vance if he runs. Rubio and Vance are described as allies with no apparent rivalry, and Trump has floated the idea of a potential joint ticket for the next election cycle.

For listeners wanting to track the latest on Secretary Rubio, this week’s headlines spotlight his active role in high stakes negotiations with Russian officials and his visible presence in shaping future Republican leadership. Thanks for tuning in and remember to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai

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