KUALA LUMPUR — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed Thursday that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had presented a “new idea” on Ukraine during a tense meeting in Malaysia, even as Russian missiles and drones rained down on Kyiv in one of the most intense attacks in months.
“It’s not a new approach, but a new concept,” Rubio told reporters, saying he would discuss it with President Donald Trump. “It’s not a guaranteed path to peace, but it might open the door.”
Moscow confirmed the meeting, describing a “frank exchange” on Ukraine and discussions on restoring economic and humanitarian ties.
Hours earlier, Ukraine’s capital was cloaked in smoke following Russia’s second massive barrage in two nights. Officials said 415 drones and missiles were launched, killing two women and injuring 16. Firefighters scrambled through rubble, while residents emerged from shelters clutching pets and children.
The attack followed a record onslaught the night before, when Russia launched 741 drones and missiles. Russia’s defense ministry said military sites in Kyiv were targeted, though residential areas also took heavy damage.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking in Rome, called for faster sanctions and stronger support. “Sanctions must come faster. Pressure on Russia must be real,” he wrote.
The U.N. reported June saw the highest civilian toll in three years, with 232 killed and over 1,300 wounded. Despite this, the Kremlin insists peace talks have not stalled, awaiting “signals from Kyiv” for a third round of negotiations.
