The scheduled meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been postponed, as Moscow’s refusal to agree to an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine has complicated negotiation efforts.
A senior White House official informed Reuters that there are no current plans for President Trump to meet with President Putin in the near term, following a productive call between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, where they decided against a face-to-face meeting.
Last week, Trump had announced his intention to meet with Putin in Hungary soon to help resolve the conflict in Ukraine. However, Putin has shown reluctance to make concessions, insisting that Ukraine must concede more territory before any ceasefire arrangement.
When asked about the possibility of a summit, Trump expressed his reluctance to have an unproductive meeting but hinted at potential developments, stating that updates would be provided in the next two days.
Putin’s investment envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, confirmed in a social media post that preparations for the summit are ongoing.
Russia restated its terms for a peace agreement in a confidential communication known as a “non-paper” sent to the U.S. over the weekend, according to sources familiar with the matter. The communication reiterated Russia’s demand for full control of the contested eastern Donbas region, rejecting Trump’s proposal for a ceasefire to begin with a freeze at the current frontlines.
Russia currently controls all of Luhansk province and around 75% of Donetsk, collectively forming the Donbas region.
European leaders urged Washington to stand firm in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, with the existing battle lines serving as the basis for future negotiations.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Washington for discussions with Trump, scheduled for the following day, as confirmed by sources familiar with the situation.
A Western official, speaking anonymously, disclosed that Rutte intended to present European perspectives on a ceasefire and subsequent peace talks to Trump.
Trump, who recently spoke with Putin and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, had anticipated another significant meeting with the Russian leader after their unsuccessful summit in Alaska in August.
However, the summit preparations encountered a setback, leading to the postponement of a preparatory meeting between Rubio and Lavrov in Budapest set for Thursday.
Lavrov emphasized in a phone call with Rubio on Monday that the location and timing of the next Trump-Putin summit were secondary to implementing the agreements reached in Alaska.
The Kremlin stated that no specific date has been set and emphasized the need for thorough preparations, which might take time.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov clarified, “We have an understanding between the presidents, but we cannot delay what is not finalized. Neither President Trump nor President Putin have confirmed specific dates.”
Responding to inquiries about a potential summit date, Peskov stated, “No, there is no agreement.”
‘I guess the Russians wanted too much’
Although neither side has officially scrapped plans for Trump to meet Putin, Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, who was in Washington, indicated on Facebook that challenging days lie ahead.
However, two senior European diplomats interpreted the postponement of the Rubio-Lavrov meeting as a signal that the Americans may be hesitant to proceed with a Trump-Putin summit unless Moscow adjusts its demands.
One diplomat remarked, “I guess the Russians wanted too much, and it became evident to the Americans that there would be no agreement for Trump in Budapest.”
The second diplomat noted that the Russians have not shifted their stance and are unwilling to agree to a ceasefire at the current frontlines, suggesting that Lavrov’s position led to the postponement of the meeting with Rubio.