A planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been postponed, a senior White House official confirmed Tuesday, due to Russia's refusal to agree to an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine without significant territorial concessions.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a "productive call" but decided against an in-person preparatory meeting, effectively delaying the summit Trump announced last week would happen soon in Hungary.
Moscow reiterated its long-standing demand for full control of the eastern Donbas region, rejecting Trump's proposal for a ceasefire to begin with the freezing of present battle lines. Trump expressed he didn't want a "wasted meeting" but hinted at potential developments within the next two days.
European leaders have urged Washington to stand firm on demanding an immediate ceasefire. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte traveled to Washington for talks with Trump, where he is expected to present the European view on negotiations. Both the Kremlin and the White House indicate that "serious preparation" is still needed before a summit can be scheduled.
