Washington DC [US]/Moscow [Russia], October 21 (ANI): Preparations for the planned Budapest summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump have hit a potential snag, as a pre-meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been postponed indefinitely, CNN reported, citing White House sources.
Russian media, however, reported that Lavrov and Rubio held a “constructive” phone conversation on October 20, discussing steps to implement understandings reached during the October 16 call between Putin and Trump, according to TASS. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the discussion focused on potential measures in the interest of advancing those agreements.
The US State Department readout noted that Rubio emphasized the importance of the upcoming engagements as a chance for Moscow and Washington to work toward a durable resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, in line with Trump’s vision. However, sources told CNN that officials felt Russia’s position had not moved sufficiently from its maximalist stance, and disagreements remain over how to peacefully resolve the conflict. As a result, Rubio is reportedly unlikely to recommend that the Budapest summit proceed next week, though further discussions between Lavrov and Rubio may take place this week.
The Budapest summit follows a phone agreement between Trump and Putin on October 16. The two leaders previously met in Anchorage, Alaska, in August. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban emphasized Hungary’s “fundamental existential interest” in the success of the summit, citing economic disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine war and the potential for a return to pre-war growth.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated willingness to participate if invited but remains cautious due to Orban’s pro-Moscow stance. Zelenskyy reportedly discussed freezing front lines with Trump during a tense White House meeting on October 17 and warned against a repeat of the 1994 “Budapest scenario,” where security assurances were provided to Ukraine in exchange for giving up nuclear weapons. (ANI)
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