Russia's Ceasefire Refusal Delays Trump-Putin Ukraine Summit Plans

The planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss peace in Ukraine has been postponed due to Russia's refusal to agree to an immediate ceasefire, a key demand from the U.S. and its European allies. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized calls for an immediate ceasefire as contradicting agreements from a prior Trump-Putin meeting, while Russia insists on control over the eastern Donbas region as a condition for peace talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed frustration that Russia's interest in diplomacy waned after the U.S. appeared less willing to supply Ukraine with long-range weapons like Tomahawk missiles, which he believes are crucial for peace. Trump has indicated reluctance to hold a "wasted meeting" without progress, although preparations for the summit continue amid diplomatic tensions and opposition from European leaders, particularly regarding the meeting location in Budapest. Vice President Vance's efforts in Israel to maintain a fragile ceasefire in Gaza further complicate Trump's broader peace initiatives. Overall, the impasse over ceasefire terms and territorial concessions has stalled momentum for negotiations and raised concerns about the future of diplomatic resolution efforts in Ukraine.