President Donald Trump’s aspiration for a rapid second summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin is facing obstacles after a crucial preliminary meeting between their chief diplomats was indefinitely postponed, casting doubt on the timing of the leaders’ potential encounter.
The expected session between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, intended to prepare for the Trump-Putin summit, has been shelved for now. This decision follows a phone conversation between Trump and Putin last week in which both leaders consented to have their high-level advisors convene to explore avenues for ending the Ukraine war.
A White House official confirmed to CNN that the Rubio-Lavrov meeting is no longer on the calendar for this week, though specific reasons were not immediately disclosed. Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that Rubio and Lavrov hold conflicting expectations about a possible cessation of Russia’s invasion, with Moscow adhering to a hardline position that may not align with US objectives.
The delay raises uncertainties about the prospective Trump-Putin summit in Budapest, Hungary, which Trump had hinted could happen swiftly after their August meeting in Alaska. That earlier summit, lasting nearly three hours, concluded without a formal agreement, though both leaders cited progress in their discussions.
White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly affirmed Trump’s dedication to diplomatic solutions, stating, “President Trump has consistently worked towards finding a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to end this senseless war and to stop the killing. He has courageously engaged parties on all sides and will do everything in his power to achieve peace.” This reflects the administration’s persistent outreach despite the hiccup.
On Monday, Rubio and Lavrov engaged in a phone call to discuss “next steps” for implementing the understandings reached by Trump and Putin, according to a US State Department summary. Rubio emphasized the importance of forthcoming engagements as opportunities for Washington and Moscow to collaborate on a lasting resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, in line with Trump’s vision.
However, a source told CNN that after the call, US officials perceived that Russia’s stance had not sufficiently shifted from its maximalist demands. Consequently, Rubio is not expected to advise moving forward with the Trump-Putin meeting next week, although additional dialogue between the foreign ministers could occur later this week.
The impasse underscores the persistent difficulties in mediating peace in Ukraine, where hostilities endure. Trump has publicly advocated for an immediate ceasefire based on the current front lines, remarking, “You go by the battle line, wherever it is. Otherwise, it’s too complicated. You’ll never be able to figure it out. You stop at the battle line.” This approach may conflict with Ukraine’s insistence on territorial integrity.
As the diplomatic process stalls, the focus shifts to whether future negotiations can bridge the gap. The postponement may temper expectations for a quick resolution, but continued engagement suggests that both sides remain open to dialogue, with the international community monitoring for breakthroughs that could end the bloodshed.