A scheduled meeting between United States President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been delayed due to Moscow’s refusal to agree to an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, leading to uncertainty in negotiation efforts.
According to a senior White House official, there are currently no arrangements for President Trump to hold talks with President Putin in the near future, following a productive call between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, where an in-person meeting was not pursued.
Although Trump had previously announced plans for a meeting with Putin in Hungary to address the conflict in Ukraine, Putin’s reluctance to make concessions has stalled progress. Russia has consistently insisted that Ukraine must concede more territory before any ceasefire can be considered.
When questioned by reporters about the potential summit, Trump expressed concerns about not wanting a fruitless meeting but hinted at possible future developments, promising updates within the next two days.
While preparations for a summit are ongoing, Russia reaffirmed its terms for a peace agreement in a confidential message known as a “non-paper,” emphasizing its demand for full control of the disputed eastern Donbas region. This stance contradicts Trump’s proposed ceasefire starting at the current frontlines.
European leaders urged the U.S. to stand firm in demanding an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine based on existing battle lines for future negotiations. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte traveled to Washington for discussions with Trump, aiming to present European perspectives on a ceasefire and subsequent peace talks.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the summit, both sides have not officially abandoned plans for Trump to meet Putin. However, the delay in the Rubio-Lavrov meeting suggests American hesitancy to proceed with a summit unless Moscow adjusts its demands.
President Zelenskyy of Ukraine noted Russia’s decreased interest in diplomacy following the U.S. administration’s postponement of a decision on Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine. Zelenskyy reiterated his agreement with Trump on starting negotiations from the current battlefield positions.
European allies expressed concerns about a potential second meeting between Trump and Putin without substantive concessions from Russia. They emphasized support for Trump’s stance on an immediate ceasefire and using current contact lines as the basis for negotiations.
Zelenskyy considered his meeting with Trump a success due to the public endorsement of a ceasefire at existing lines, aligning with Kyiv’s longstanding position. European leaders are set to convene with Zelenskyy as a guest to discuss a postwar settlement security force. The choice of Budapest as a meeting location for Putin and Trump has sparked controversy within the EU due to Hungary’s warm ties with Russia.
The prospect of a Budapest summit poses logistical challenges, with some EU countries willing to allow Putin’s flight through their airspace while others threaten to detain him.