Information
Moscow’s refusal to agree to an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine has cast doubt over a proposed summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, diplomats reported. The planned meeting, which was meant to take place in Budapest within two weeks, faced a setback after the postponement of preparatory talks between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. European leaders have urged Washington to maintain its stance that any ceasefire should freeze battle lines where they currently stand, rejecting Moscow’s demand that Ukraine surrender more territory first. Despite no official cancellation, diplomats said the delay signals possible U.S. hesitation to proceed unless Russia softens its position.
The potential summit has also sparked unease in Europe, where leaders fear Trump might meet Putin without securing meaningful concessions. While Trump publicly endorsed Ukraine’s position on a ceasefire following a tense meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, reports suggest he pressed Kyiv to accept some Russian terms. Meanwhile, European powers, including Britain, France, and Germany, reaffirmed support for an immediate ceasefire based on current front lines. The choice of Budapest as a venue adds further controversy, as Hungary’s prime minister Viktor Orbán remains one of the few EU leaders sympathetic to Moscow.
Source: Reuters, AP
So What
This development will likely be welcomed across Europe, as it reinforces the united stance against Russian aggression. Moscow’s refusal to compromise comes as no surprise, since its position has remained unchanged despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. The move appears aimed at stalling and preventing the U.S. from escalating its response, leaving observers keen to see how President Trump will react to this latest setback in his push for a ceasefire.
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