Top advisors mysteriously canceled a crucial meeting that could potentially lead to the scrapping of Donald Trump’s planned summit with Vladimir Putin. The two leaders had arranged to convene in Budapest, hosted by Hungary’s far-right leader Viktor Orban.
The planned meeting between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov to finalize a potential peace deal ahead of the summit was unexpectedly axed. The Kremlin described a recent discussion between the two advisors as “constructive,” focusing on the implementation of agreements between Trump and Putin. However, plans for a face-to-face meeting were altered shortly after the call, with no immediate in-person meeting scheduled. The White House did not provide a reason for this change.
The reported dramatic confrontation during Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the White House on Friday highlighted a contentious exchange. Trump, after conversing with Putin, allegedly echoed Putin’s perspectives on the conflict to Ukraine’s leader, insisting that the conflict was a “special operation” rather than a genuine war. Trump purportedly demanded that Zelensky cede the entire Donbas region as a condition for peace with Putin, essentially rewarding Russia for its unlawful invasion of a neighboring country.
The discrepancy in expectations between Rubio and Lavrov regarding ending Russia’s invasion during their recent phone call has led to doubts about the effectiveness of any potential peace talks. Sources suggest that Rubio is unlikely to recommend Trump’s attendance at the Budapest summit.
Concerns have been raised by top US officials regarding Putin’s unchanged stance, hindering the prospects of productive discussions between the two leaders.
Zelensky and European leaders have accused Putin of prolonging diplomatic efforts to end the Ukrainian invasion and have rejected any proposal for Kyiv to surrender captured land to achieve peace.
International leaders voiced support for Trump’s peace initiatives in Ukraine ahead of his planned meeting with Putin in Budapest. However, they emphasized the principle that international borders should not be altered by force.
Trump’s evolving stance on the conflict, from conceding land to advocating for a freeze in the ongoing war, has added complexity to the situation. He expressed doubts on Monday about Ukraine’s ability to defeat Russia.
Efforts to maintain Trump’s support align with the aim to halt the conflict immediately and establish the current contact line as a negotiation starting point. The occupied areas of Ukraine pose a risk for future attacks if the conflict remains frozen at the current frontline.
Discussions on imposing additional economic sanctions on Russia are expected at an upcoming EU summit, with efforts to pressure Russia economically until Putin is willing to pursue peace.
The ongoing diplomatic activities indicate a proactive week ahead, with international leaders intensifying efforts to resolve the conflict and support Ukraine.