Rubio, speaking to reporters in New York, argued that solving problems requires meeting with those you disagree with, and said the invitation offers Putin a chance to engage not only with Trump but with other world leaders. Washington hopes Putin accepts. The announcement came shortly after Rubio met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, and ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address to the UN, where he was expected to renew appeals for better air defenses against Russian drone and missile attacks. Prospects for peace remain dim. Lavrov told the UN Security Council that Moscow would not pause its "special military operation," accusing Europe of wanting a halt merely to "pump the Kyiv regime with weapons." Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said Lavrov's remark "said it all." Rubio nonetheless pushed for an energy ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv, saying both sides have shown interest in a limited truce covering energy infrastructure. Such a deal would not end the war but could create a platform for broader agreement. Zelensky has said Ukraine is ready to halt strikes on Russian energy sites if Moscow reciprocates, after Trump urged him to stop hitting diesel refineries. Following talks with Trump on Tuesday, Zelensky said Washington and Kyiv want the war to end "before winter." Trump and Putin last met in 2025, though they have spoken by phone several times. Separately, Rubio warned that the West Bank becoming a new crisis is the last thing Israel or the region needs. (Bssnews)