Russia’s Stance on Ukraine Threatens to Derail Planned Trump–Putin Meeting

Hopes for an early meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Budapest are faltering as Moscow shows little sign of softening its position on ending the war in Ukraine.

The Gaze reports this, referring to CNN, citing sources familiar with the discussions.

Trump had announced on October 16 that he and Putin had agreed to hold a summit after a phone conversation between the two leaders. He said senior advisers would meet first to lay the groundwork, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio leading Washington’s delegation.

However, a White House official told CNN that the initial meeting between Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has been postponed, and it remains unclear when or whether it will take place. 

One source said the two sides currently hold “different expectations” about the conditions for ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.

According to U.S. and Russian officials, Rubio and Lavrov spoke by phone on October 20, discussing next steps following the Trump–Putin conversation.

In a statement, the U.S. State Department said Rubio emphasized that the talks should serve as “an opportunity for Moscow and Washington to work toward a long-term settlement of the Russian–Ukrainian conflict consistent with President Trump’s vision.”

Still, CNN quoted a source as saying that after the call, officials concluded Russia’s position had not meaningfully changed from its earlier maximalist demands. 

Rubio is now unlikely to recommend proceeding with a Trump–Putin summit next week, though he and Lavrov may hold further discussions in the coming days.

The developments come just days after Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. Following that meeting, Trump publicly urged both sides to “end the war along the current front line,” suggesting forces remain where they are now.

Western outlets have reported that Trump allegedly pressed Zelenskyy to accept Russia’s terms and relinquish control of Donbas, warning that otherwise Putin might “destroy” Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters late Monday, Trump said he never discussed surrendering territory and noted that Russia currently controls 78% of Donetsk region, reiterating that “both sides should stop where they are.”

As The Gaze previously reported, the meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington concluded without the anticipated breakthroughs. The American leader declined to approve the transfer of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, stressing that his administration prioritizes diplomatic engagement over further escalation of military support.