The optics of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio appearing friendly with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur on July 10, 2025, are problematic for the U.S. given the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The warm exchange—smiling, handshaking, and arm-tapping—contrasts sharply with Russia’s intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, including a deadly barrage on Kyiv that killed at least two people the same day. This could be perceived as undermining U.S. support for Ukraine, especially as President Trump has publicly expressed frustration with Russia’s lack of flexibility in peace talks. The friendly demeanor risks signaling a softening stance toward Russia, potentially alienating allies like Ukraine and European partners who are pushing for tougher sanctions on Moscow. However, Rubio’s team framed the meeting as a “frank and substantive” discussion focused on pressing for a roadmap to end the Ukraine war, suggesting an attempt to balance diplomacy with firmness. Still, the public display of cordiality may fuel skepticism about U.S. resolve, particularly among Ukrainians who already feel sidelined by U.S.-Russia talks.