Trump-Putin Meeting Cancelled Shortly After Budapest Talks Suggested
Recent developments indicate that the anticipated meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been officially canceled. A White House official stated there are “no plans” for such a summit “in the immediate future.” This announcement follows discussions suggesting that the two leaders might convene in Budapest to address the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Background on the Proposed Meeting
Last Thursday, Trump mentioned that he and Putin would meet within two weeks in Budapest. This plan was reportedly set to coincide with preparatory talks between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov.
Cancellation of Preparatory Meeting
However, the White House later stated that a meeting between Rubio and Lavrov was deemed unnecessary after a productive phone call. Details regarding the reasons for withdrawing from the planned talks were not disclosed.
Contentions Around Ukraine
The discussion about the Budapest summit followed a tense exchange between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Reports suggest that their conversation involved intense disagreements, particularly regarding territorial concessions in eastern Ukraine.
Ceasefire Proposal
- Trump has voiced support for a ceasefire plan backed by Kyiv and European leaders.
- He stated, “Let it be cut the way it is,” regarding the current front line.
Russia, however, has shown resistance to the idea of freezing the current front lines in the conflict, with Lavrov emphasizing the need for “long-term, sustainable peace.” He expressed that simply halting the fighting would not address the deeper issues at play.
Key Issues Discussed
During the discussions, Lavrov indicated that for the conflict to resolve, core issues, such as recognizing Russian sovereignty over the Donbas region and demilitarizing Ukraine, must be addressed. These demands have been rejected by Kyiv and its European allies.
Ukraine’s Stance
Zelensky characterized the dialogue about the front line as “the beginning of diplomacy,” yet he criticized Russia for its evasive tactics. He stated that only discussions regarding the supply of long-range weapons to Ukraine would compel Moscow to engage seriously in talks.
Impact of Long-Range Weapons
Speculation around the potential supply of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine has intensified discussions. It is believed that this issue contributed significantly to Russia’s willingness to engage in dialogue, as highlighted by Zelensky’s comments on the matter being a “strong investment in diplomacy.”
This evolving situation underscores the complexities surrounding US-Russia relations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, further complicating future diplomatic endeavors.
