The possibility of a summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin is being actively discussed among Ukrainian experts. Such a meeting remains important for Russia, but preparations are complicated by differing positions of the sides and external influences, particularly from China.
According to experts, the Russian side is currently unwilling to accept the key American formula: that the frontline should become the dividing line. This remains the main obstacle to substantive negotiations. At the same time, Russia is trying to avoid disputes with Trump, adjusting official statements according to Washington's reactions.
For the US, Trump needs to show progress towards ending the war, while Moscow is seeking to use the situation to its advantage. Meanwhile, China is gradually increasing its influence over Russia and control of strategic resources such as rare earth metals.
The possibility of holding the summit in Budapest is being considered, but experts currently assess the likelihood of a personal Trump-Putin meeting as low. Talks at ministerial level are seen as more realistic, but progress depends largely on China, which supports Russia in the ongoing geopolitical confrontation with the West.
Experts conclude that the prospects for ending the war are more dependent on global agreements, especially between the US and China, than on US-Russian bilateral contacts.
