US Cancels Trump-Putin Budapest Summit Over Moscow Demands

The planned Budapest summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was canceled after Moscow sent a memo restating hardline demands on Ukraine, according to a Financial Times report that Reuters said it could not immediately verify. The proposal reportedly sought sweeping concessions — easing Western sanctions, recognition of Russian territorial claims in Ukraine, sharp reductions in Ukraine’s armed forces and guarantees that Ukraine would never join NATO — demands U.S. officials called unacceptable. A tense diplomatic call reinforced U.S. doubts about Moscow’s willingness to negotiate, and officials say Trump has grown frustrated and will not meet Putin until convinced a concrete peace deal is within reach. The cancellation has coincided with reports of recent Russian tests of long-range nuclear-capable systems (Burevestnik and Poseidon), which drew Trump’s public criticism and reports he ordered preparations for U.S. nuclear measures, further heightening tensions. Washington has moved toward strengthening ties with Kyiv, some Republican voters have warmed to increased military aid for Ukraine, and relations between the U.S. and Russia have deteriorated amid the breakdown in talks.