U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a late-night phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on June 1, following a formal request from Moscow, amid escalating hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.
What U.S. Secretary of State said
“Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, at Russia’s request. Secretary Rubio reiterated President (Donald) Trump’s call for continued direct talks between Russia and Ukraine to achieve a lasting peace,” U.S. Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in an official statement.
The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed the conversation, stating that “the situation linked to the Ukraine crisis was discussed.”
“SV Lavrov and M Rubio also exchanged views on various initiatives concerning a settlement of the Ukraine crisis, including plans to resume direct Russian-Ukrainian talks in Istanbul on June 2.”
Additionally, the ministry noted that Rubio expressed condolences over the deaths caused by two separate bridge explosions in Russian regions bordering Ukraine. Russian officials reported that at least seven people were killed and 69 injured in the incidents.
Russia and Ukraine conflict
The diplomatic exchange came in the wake of a dramatic escalation in the conflict. Ukraine carried out a series of coordinated strikes deep inside Russian territory, deploying drones concealed in trucks to target key military airfields, including installations in eastern Siberia. Reports indicate that over 40 Russian military aircraft, including Tu-95 and Tu-22 M3 long-range bombers and an A-50 surveillance plane, were damaged.
In response, Moscow launched one of its most sustained missile and drone offensives against Kyiv, raising tensions ahead of the planned peace talks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy celebrated the success of the operations in a series of posts on X, highlighting the long-term planning involved.
Today, a brilliant operation was carried out — on enemy territory, targeting only military objectives, specifically the equipment used to strike Ukraine. Russia suffered significant losses — entirely justified and deserved.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 1, 2025
“Today, a brilliant operation was carried out — on enemy territory, targeting only military objectives, specifically the equipment used to strike Ukraine. Russia suffered significant losses — entirely justified and deserved,” Zelenskyy said, adding that the mission took a year and a half to prepare.
