A scheduled meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been postponed, following Moscow’s refusal to agree to an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, complicating negotiation efforts. A senior White House official stated that there are no immediate plans for the two leaders to meet, after a productive call between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov did not lead to an in-person meeting.
Despite Trump’s announcement of a forthcoming meeting in Hungary to address the Ukrainian conflict, Putin has shown reluctance to make concessions, insisting on Ukraine ceding more territory before considering a ceasefire. Trump, addressing reporters, expressed his reluctance to have an unproductive meeting but hinted at potential developments in the next few days.
Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s investment envoy, mentioned on social media that preparations for the summit are ongoing. Russia reiterated its terms for a peace deal in a confidential communication sent to the U.S., emphasizing its demand for full control of the contentious eastern Donbas region, rejecting Trump’s proposal for a ceasefire starting at current frontlines.
European leaders urged the U.S. to stand firm in calling for an immediate ceasefire with existing battle lines as the basis for future negotiations in Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte traveled to Washington for talks with Trump, focusing on ceasefire efforts and subsequent peace talks.
Discussions between Lavrov and Rubio indicated that substantial preparations are necessary for a successful summit, with no clear date set. Despite uncertainties, both sides have not abandoned the possibility of a Trump-Putin meeting. European diplomats suggested that the postponement of a preparatory meeting signifies U.S. reluctance to proceed without Moscow compromising on its demands.
Zelenskyy expressed disappointment over Russia’s reduced interest in diplomacy following delays in U.S. decisions on providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. European allies remain cautious about a potential Trump-Putin meeting without substantial Russian concessions. European leaders support Trump’s stance on an immediate ceasefire, aligning with Zelenskyy’s call for negotiations based on current battle lines.
While Trump has previously shifted positions on Ukraine, his recent endorsement of starting a ceasefire at existing frontline positions has garnered support. European leaders are set to meet with Zelenskyy to discuss postwar settlement strategies, with concerns raised over the choice of Budapest as a meeting location due to Hungary’s close ties with Russia.