US Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov focusing on agreements previously reached by Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, as stated by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on May 29, 2025.
The dialogue between Rubio and Lavrov also addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Lavrov informed Rubio about Russia's preparation of proposals for the next round of direct negotiations with Ukraine scheduled to take place in Istanbul, according to the MFA's official statement.
Although the Ministry did not specify the exact agreements referenced, they are understood to pertain to prior discussions between the Trump and Putin administrations. Following the call, former President Trump publicly called for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, aligning with President Putin’s stance in the conflict.
Putin, shortly after the communication, announced his willingness to draft a memorandum aiming to progress the peace process with Ukraine, emphasizing the need to address what he called the "root causes" of the war. This term broadly refers to Russia's maximalist demands, including recognition of annexed Ukrainian territories, political changes within Ukraine, constitutional amendments limiting military alliances, and other conditions favorable to Russian interests.
Despite ongoing efforts for ceasefires endorsed by Trump and accepted by Ukraine, Russia continues to reject such proposals while maintaining military operations. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his administration remain critical of Russia’s actions, with Trump’s rhetoric often placing more pressure on the Ukrainian government rather than imposing consequences on Russia.
The talks between Rubio and Lavrov appear to be part of broader efforts to explore diplomatic avenues amid continuing hostilities, although significant challenges remain given Russia's entrenched demands and the complexities of the Ukraine conflict.