The confrontation between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin has reached a pivotal point following the canceled summit in Budapest. Experts note that Trump appears energized by his ability to put pressure on the Russian leader, a development echoed in statements by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who now stresses the need for results-oriented dialogue.
Speculation is ongoing about Trump’s potential next moves, as he tours Asia and meets with leaders from China and Japan, signaling possible future negotiations with Xi Jinping if Putin remains uncooperative. Within the US administration, policy advisors continue to encourage a tougher stance toward Moscow.
Russia has stepped up its information efforts to resume diplomatic negotiations, notably through the actions of Russian Direct Investment Fund head Kirill Dmitriev in Washington, though these moves yielded little success. The Kremlin, via public statements from Putin, Lavrov, Dmitriev, and others, attempts to sway Washington into renewed talks.
Analysts suggest the proposed meeting is more meaningful for the Kremlin than for Trump, who currently enjoys a perceived strategic advantage and is in no rush to respond to mediation efforts or Russia’s latest diplomatic proposals.
Alongside these diplomatic tensions, Russia’s economic conditions, according to Rosstat, are worsening: most manufacturing sectors have contracted, and annual GDP growth has slowed to just 0.3%. Additionally, the State Duma has approved legislation for a year-round conscription procedure in the armed forces.
This period is therefore marked by increased Western pressure on Russia, a shift in the Kremlin’s approach, and significant challenges for the Russian economy.
