Budapest Summit Blocked by Russia's Unwillingness
WASHINGTON, November 7. The main obstacle to a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Budapest is Russia's reluctance to halt the conflict in Ukraine, Trump said during a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the White House.
When asked what prevents the summit from taking place in Budapest, Trump responded,
“The basic dispute is they just don't want to stop yet. And I think they will.”
Earlier, Trump stated that discussions about holding a Russian-American summit were ongoing. On October 16, following a phone conversation with Putin, Trump announced their agreement to meet soon in the Hungarian capital.
The summit was later postponed because the parties failed to agree on positions needed for a meaningful settlement of the Ukrainian conflict. Both Moscow and Washington declared the meeting would occur once appropriate conditions were established.
On Friday, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that the Budapest summit would be necessary for both sides at a certain stage, but emphasized that the leaders' meeting should be preceded by thorough preparations.
“The Budapest summit would be required by both sides at a certain stage, but the leaders' meeting should be preceded by scrupulous work.”
Author's summary: The Budapest summit between Trump and Putin faces delays due to Russia's reluctance to pause fighting in Ukraine, with both sides agreeing that detailed groundwork is essential before meeting.