Trump–Putin summit Talks Collapse, No Immediate Meeting Planned
WASHINGTON – Preparations for a potential summit between U.S. President Donald Trump adn Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest have fallen apart,wiht both sides indicating no meeting is currently scheduled. A planned meeting this week between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei lavrov to prepare for the summit was canceled following a ”productive” phone call between the two diplomats on Monday, according to U.S. officials.
While the Kremlin stated there is no set timeframe for a future meeting, a U.S. representative, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that “there are no plans for a meeting between President Trump and President Putin in the immediate future.” The growth comes amid shifting signals from the Trump management regarding its approach to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, and raises questions about the prospects for renewed diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
The two presidents last met in August in Alaska, but that encounter failed to yield any breakthroughs toward a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump later voiced frustration with Russia’s continued aggression. More recently, however, the U.S.President publicly suggested Ukraine cede territory in the Donbass region, aligning with the current front lines – a position that drew criticism and signaled a potential softening of U.S. policy.
the cancellation of the Budapest preparations and the indefinite postponement of a Trump-Putin meeting represent a setback for diplomatic engagement at a critical juncture in the Ukraine conflict. The situation remains fluid,and the potential for future talks cannot be ruled out,but for now,direct engagement between the two leaders appears unlikely.
This article has been updated.
AFP
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