Lavrov conveyed a message from Putin to Trump through Rubio

Rubio downplayed the suggestion that Russia was specifically calling on the US to withdraw embassy staff from Kyiv, stating that Moscow had merely issued a broad warning to diplomatic institutions that the Ukrainian capital remains dangerous, Interfax-Ukraine reports.

"The danger in all these wars, which continue and will continue, is that they always carry the threat of escalation," Rubio said.

Commenting on the recent massive Russian strikes on Kyiv, the US Secretary of State noted that they underscore the need to end the conflict.

"Every time you see these major strikes from one side or the other, it's a reminder of why this is a terrible war," he said, adding that the US is ready to facilitate negotiations if the opportunity arises.

Photo: screenshot.