Russia Hardens Stance; Trump–Putin Summit Shelved

A planned Budapest summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been put on hold; the White House said there are “no plans” for an immediate meeting and Trump said he did not want a “wasted meeting.” Kremlin officials have hardened demands — including restrictions on Ukraine’s NATO prospects, territorial concessions and limits on its armed forces — and have rejected proposals to freeze fighting on current front lines, stalling talks. Kyiv and European leaders accuse Russia of using diplomacy to delay and oppose forced concessions, while debates over long‑range weapons for Ukraine are affecting negotiating leverage. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who was involved in preparations, said work continues but dates remain uncertain. The U.S. is pursuing parallel diplomacy, including Vice‑President J.D. Vance’s visit to Israel, as prospects for a near‑term diplomatic resolution have diminished.