Trump Backs Ukraine Drone Strikes on Russia While Predicting Peace — Lavrov Demands Arms Cutoff

In Manila on July 23, Rubio and Lavrov met for 30 minutes on Ukraine. Lavrov demanded Western arms to Ukraine cease; Trump simultaneously endorsed Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian energy sites and predicted a settlement is near. Rubio offered only conditional US engagement "if that opportunity presents itself." No concrete proposal emerged from the exchange of positions.