WASHINGTON/MOSCOW, Oct. 21, 2025 — Hopes for a breakthrough in the war in Ukraine were dealt a setback on Tuesday after the White House confirmed that a proposed meeting between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin will not take place in the immediate future.
The announcement followed a preparatory call between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, which officials described as “productive” but ultimately inconclusive. According to U.S. officials, Moscow refused to consider an immediate ceasefire, insisting instead that Ukraine must cede additional territory before any truce could be agreed.
White House Position
A senior White House official told reporters there are “no plans for President Trump to meet with President Putin in the immediate future.” Trump, who had announced last week that the two leaders would meet in Budapest to discuss ending the conflict, said he did not want a “wasted meeting” but suggested further developments could emerge in the coming days.
Russia’s Stance
The Kremlin reiterated its long‑standing conditions for peace, demanding recognition of Russian control over occupied regions. Russian officials circulated a private “non‑paper” to Washington last weekend outlining these terms, which Kyiv has firmly rejected.
Ukraine’s Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that any agreement requiring territorial concessions would legitimize Russian aggression and undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty. Kyiv continues to call for a full withdrawal of Russian forces as the basis for negotiations.
International Context
The delay comes as NATO allies prepare for further consultations on Ukraine, with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte scheduled to meet Trump in Washington later this week. European leaders remain divided over how far to push for negotiations, with some urging caution against rewarding Moscow’s hard line.
Outlook
While both Washington and Moscow have left the door open to future talks, analysts say the postponement underscores the gulf between the two sides. Without movement on Russia’s ceasefire position, prospects for a Trump–Putin summit appear uncertain.
Summary: The planned Trump–Putin summit in Budapest has been postponed after Russia rejected U.S. calls for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. The setback highlights the deep divisions over the terms of peace, with Moscow demanding territorial concessions and Kyiv refusing to compromise on sovereignty.
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Sources: FBC News 1; CBC 2; USA Today 6; Atlantic Council 7; Independent 8.
