According to reports from US media, including CNN, the planned meeting between US and Russian officials in Budapest may not occur. Sources indicate that US Senator Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the possibility of such talks, but Moscow apparently did not signal any willingness to compromise.
On the eve of these developments, Russian officials reaffirmed their maximalist aims: retaining control over four Ukrainian regions, as well as demanding Ukraine's demilitarization and denazification. There have been speculations in the media that Russia could relinquish some occupied territories but insists on keeping the Donetsk region.
At the same time, there are security concerns regarding the meeting's venue in Budapest. Russian voices are suggesting a possible change of location, proposing alternatives such as Dubai.
Experts believe that Moscow aims to stall the negotiation process without changing its stance. As a result, the likelihood of talks in Budapest is decreasing, and the prospect of direct dialogue between US President Trump and the Russian leadership remains uncertain.
Diplomatic sources note that decisive talks might now happen only after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum on November 1. The situation is fluid, and both parties may need to adjust their strategies as events unfold.
