A handout picture released by the Security Service of Ukraine highlights the use of Ukrainian military drones in an attack on Russian military aircraft on June 1, 2025. On the same day, a Russian drone strike targeted the city of Pryluky in northern Ukraine, where six drones reportedly hit a residential area in the early morning hours, according to Ukrainian authorities. In a call earlier that week, President Vladimir Putin expressed to US President Donald Trump the need for Russia to respond to Ukraine’s recent Operation "Spider's Web," which had successfully attacked Russian air bases.
Trump disclosed that their conversation, the second in a short period, lasted 75 minutes and touched upon Ukraine's aggressive drone operations. While the US president acknowledged the call as productive, he also cautioned that it would not result in an immediate resolution to the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces reportedly launched a drone offensive into Russian territory, resulting in the destruction of around 40 military bombers, further aggravating hostilities.
In a separate diplomatic effort, Russian and Ukrainian representatives met in Istanbul for ongoing peace talks, but reports suggest little progress was achieved, particularly regarding ceasefire discussions. Both sides did agree to pursue a new prisoner exchange, yet the negotiations remained largely transactional, focusing on issues that do not resolve the broader conflict.
Furthermore, Ukraine's Security Service conducted an underwater operation targeting the Crimean Bridge, marking the third attack on this strategic structure since the onset of the war. Although Russian officials acknowledged the attack, they claimed it did not cause any notable damage, and the bridge has since reopened. A statement from the Chinese Embassy in Ukraine advised its citizens against traveling due to the ongoing conflict and heightened security risks.
Professor Cui Hongjian examined the dynamics of the conflict, noting the ongoing "fighting while talking," where discussions primarily revolve around transactional matters like prisoner swaps, with minimal advancement toward meaningful peace. The US appears to be recalibrating its position in the crisis, seeking a balance that allows for reduced direct involvement while maintaining some degree of influence over the negotiations. Additionally, Trump's dialogue with Putin touched upon the issue of Iran and its nuclear ambitions, suggesting an interest in selective cooperation between the US and Russia to navigate geopolitical complexities.
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