US, Russia, China Hold High-Level Talks on Ukraine, Indo-Pacific, Iran

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is engaging in high-level diplomatic talks in Kuala Lumpur, marking a renewed U.S. focus on the Indo-Pacific region and efforts to ease tensions with Russia. Rubio's meetings include direct discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, where both sides expressed commitment to peaceful conflict resolution in Ukraine and improving bilateral cooperation, including resuming direct flights and diplomatic ties. These talks follow agreements between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin and aim to continue constructive dialogue based on mutual respect. The U.S. State Department affirmed its intention to maintain high-level contacts with Russia to resolve the Ukraine conflict, with President Trump actively seeking an end to the war despite frustration over slow progress. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin held their first phone call in over two years, discussing ceasefire efforts in Ukraine and Tehran's nuclear program, though Putin blamed Western policies for the conflict. Collectively, these diplomatic engagements indicate cautious but ongoing efforts among major powers to address multiple global conflicts through dialogue and negotiation.