Negotiations between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are currently on hold. The main reason is the delay in preparations and uncertainty regarding the date of the future summit. The bill for additional sanctions against Russia, promoted by Republican Senate leader John Thune, has been removed from consideration until after the Trump–Putin summit. Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the document’s authors, is monitoring the issue and is in contact with the White House. If negotiations fail, sanctions remain an important tool for pressure on Russia.
According to CNN, a preparatory meeting between US and Russian representatives — Rubio and Lavrov — was also canceled due to disagreements over the possible resolution of the war in Ukraine. After a phone conversation, it became clear that Russia's position remains firm.
Russia denies that any summit agreement in Budapest is scheduled in the next two weeks. Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov stated there was no agreement on a preparatory meeting. Media present the situation as a postponement by both sides due to differing positions.
European leaders, following Trump’s meeting with Zelensky, express disappointment with the outcome and doubt the US ability to influence conflict resolution. Amid the escalation in Gaza, attention to diplomatic maneuvers remains high.
Trump publicly uses the negotiation topic to pressure China and redirect Russia. However, analysts note no significant changes in Russia’s stance so far, and the negotiation process remains uncertain.
