Russia Denies Reports of Delayed Lavrov-Rubio Meeting, Calls Them “Bogus”

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The Russian Foreign Ministry has dismissed US media reports claiming that a scheduled meeting between Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been postponed. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov called the reports “unfounded bogus stories” and criticized Western outlets for spreading misinformation to attract attention.

“I am sure that we will continue to face situations where various Western news outlets release unfounded stories to make headlines and trigger speculation,” Ryabkov said. He emphasized that Moscow prefers to focus on verified information and the “real substance” of diplomacy.

The statement follows a recent telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, in which both leaders reportedly discussed ongoing bilateral issues and “the next steps” for diplomatic engagement. Ryabkov indicated that the planned meeting between Lavrov and Rubio is part of these next steps and remains on track.

“The contact between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is one of these steps,” Ryabkov noted, confirming that discussions between the two sides are continuing.

Ryabkov further clarified that Lavrov and Rubio had already made contact on October 20, and that Moscow remains focused on the content of discussions rather than formal scheduling. “For us, what matters is the substance of the talks, not just the optics of holding a meeting,” he said.

The Deputy Minister also stated that any high-level diplomatic engagement “requires careful preparation” and that Moscow prefers meaningful dialogue over rushed or symbolic meetings.

The clarification from Moscow comes at a time of heightened tensions between Russia and the United States over several global issues, including sanctions, military cooperation, and regional security. However, both sides have signaled a willingness to maintain communication channels open, suggesting that dialogue, though cautious, remains ongoing.