Washington [US], June 2 (ANI): In a rare diplomatic exchange amid escalating hostilities, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov regarding efforts to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The conversation precedes a second round of direct peace negotiations set to begin Monday in Istanbul.
The U.S. State Department confirmed that Secretary Rubio “reinforced President Trump’s call for ongoing direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine” to secure a lasting peace. The discussion occurred as both nations launched some of the largest drone strikes seen since the war began nearly three years ago.
Rubio also extended condolences for the casualties resulting from the collapse of two bridges in Russia’s border regions, reportedly linked to acts of sabotage or drone strikes. Russian authorities have promised a full investigation and public disclosure of findings, pledging accountability for those responsible.
In a major escalation on Sunday, Ukraine launched a high-risk drone assault deep inside Russian territory, reportedly destroying several nuclear-capable bombers and other military assets. Sources cited by CBS and Axios claimed the Ukrainian operation had been in planning for over a year and involved covertly transporting drones into Russia. The Trump administration was reportedly not informed in advance of the attack. The White House has declined to comment.
The timing of Ukraine’s drone offensive was particularly significant, coming just before the scheduled Istanbul talks. The diplomatic efforts are viewed as the most serious engagement between the two sides in recent months, though prior rounds have failed to yield durable solutions.
President Trump, who has vowed to end the Ukraine war swiftly if re-elected, is said to be applying increased pressure on both Kyiv and Moscow to find a path forward. On Sunday, he was seen golfing at his club in Sterling, Virginia, alongside professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau.
Although Trump has expressed both frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and criticism of Russia’s invasion, his administration continues to support direct negotiations between the two countries.
The war persists with intense fighting across multiple fronts and ongoing drone campaigns by both sides. The outcome of Monday’s peace talks in Istanbul could set the tone for the next phase of diplomacy—or further deepen the conflict. (ANI)
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