The Kremlin said that many issues still need answers before Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump can meet. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “Foreign Minister [Sergei] Lavrov and Secretary of State [Marco] Rubio will begin working on this. There are many questions—negotiating teams need to be determined, and so on.”
He added that the meeting “could indeed take place within two weeks or a little later,” but warned that “nothing should be put off.”
Talks Follow Long Phone Call
Peskov’s statement came after a two-and-a-half-hour phone call between Putin and Trump. Russian officials described the call as “positive, productive and held in an atmosphere of trust.”
According to the Kremlin, the two leaders discussed ways to end the war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s full invasion in 2022.
Putin reportedly suggested holding the meeting in Budapest. Trump later confirmed it on social media, saying it would aim to “see if we can bring this inglorious war to an end.”
Putin Warns Against Arming Ukraine
Moscow reached out to Washington as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy flew to the United States. Zelenskyy wanted Trump’s approval for Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles to strengthen Ukraine’s military.
During the call, Putin warned that giving Ukraine Tomahawks would “not change the battlefield situation” but would cause a “serious blow” to US–Russia relations.
He also praised Trump, calling him a “peacemaker in the Middle East and beyond.” This was a reference to Trump’s role in brokering the recent Israel–Hamas ceasefire.
Kyiv Dismisses Kremlin Move
The proposed Putin–Trump summit added uncertainty for Ukraine. The Tomahawk missile, which can travel over 1,500 kilometers, would allow Ukraine to hit deep inside Russia, including near Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Kyiv believes these missiles could change the course of the war. But Zelenskyy downplayed Moscow’s response, saying Russia was “panicking” over the talks about US missiles.
Ongoing Uncertainty
The Kremlin’s statement shows that both countries are still working out details. While talks between Moscow and Washington continue, the issue of Ukraine’s missile request adds new tension. The proposed Budapest meeting could be a turning point, but many challenges remain.