Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jun 6: US President Donald Trump has voiced support for direct dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, saying he would not oppose face-to-face talks between the two sides without American mediation, even as hostilities between the countries continue to escalate.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump commented on recent diplomatic developments involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Referring to efforts aimed at initiating direct discussions, Trump expressed confidence that negotiations could eventually lead to a resolution of the conflict.
“Let them work it out. I believe I helped create the opportunity for such talks, and I think a solution will ultimately be found,” Trump said, while reiterating his long-standing view that the war would not have occurred during his presidency.
The US President again blamed his predecessor, Joe Biden, for the circumstances that led to the outbreak of the conflict in 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Trump had earlier welcomed reports suggesting the possibility of direct engagement between Moscow and Kyiv, describing such a development as a positive step toward ending the war.
Meanwhile, fighting between the two countries has continued unabated, with both sides engaged in large-scale drone operations. Russian authorities reported that air defence systems intercepted dozens of Ukrainian drones targeting various regions, including the area around St. Petersburg.
Officials in the region said a major drone attack had been launched overnight, prompting authorities to urge residents to remain indoors. The attacks coincided with events linked to the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, one of Russia’s key annual gatherings.
Russian officials claimed that hundreds of drones were intercepted across the country in a single night, including several aimed at Moscow. Authorities also alleged that strategic facilities, including energy infrastructure and military sites in the St. Petersburg region, had been targeted in recent days.
As a precautionary measure, operations at Pulkovo Airport were temporarily suspended before normal services resumed.
The latest wave of attacks highlights the continuing intensity of the conflict, even as discussions about potential diplomatic engagement gain attention. No immediate breakthrough in peace efforts has been reported, and both sides continue military operations across multiple fronts.