THE Kremlin said on Thursday that it was not overly optimistic about the prospects of a quick deal to end the conflict in Ukraine following a meeting between Russian and U.S. officials in Manila.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed Ukraine on the sidelines of an ASEAN gathering on Thursday, with Rubio saying that Washington remains prepared to play a "constructive role" in finding a solution to the war.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that he hoped U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would come to Moscow when they are available, and that Russia would continue dialogue with the U.S.
Washington's efforts on Ukraine peace have largely stalled as it has become distracted by its war in Iran.
