On October 21 local time, US President Trump said that no decision had been made yet regarding his meeting with Putin. Trump also stated that he still believes there is an opportunity for Ukraine and Russia to cease fire.

According to a report by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Trump said during a speech at the White House that the key obstacle to the meeting remains Russia's "refusal to stop fighting at the current front line," and he does not want to hold a "useless meeting."

On October 21 local time, Trump said that no decision had been made yet regarding his meeting with Putin. Screenshot of video

US Secretary of State Rubio was supposed to hold a preparatory meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov this week, but the White House said the two had already had a "productive" call and that the meeting was no longer "necessary."

A senior European diplomat told Reuters: "I guess it's because Russia is asking for too much, and the US is well aware that Trump could not reach any agreement in Budapest."

Earlier that day, a senior White House official said there were no plans to arrange a meeting between Trump and Putin.

Russian President's press secretary Peskov stated in a briefing on the 21st that the leaders of Russia and the United States had not previously determined the specific date of the meeting and denied the media's claim that the two presidents would arrive at the meeting location in Budapest by the same plane.

Peskov said that complex preparations are needed before the meeting, and Russia maintains a pragmatic attitude toward this.

Additionally, Dmitryev, director of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, said on social media that the media are misinterpreting the meaning of the "near future" for the summit between the heads of state. He emphasized that the preparation for the summit is ongoing.

On the evening of October 20, Trump expressed support for a ceasefire proposal backed by Ukrainian and European leaders, which advocated "freezing the conflict at the current frontline."

Trump said: "Maintaining the status quo, drawing boundaries. I think we should do this: draw boundaries, stop the fighting, let the soldiers go home, stop fighting, and prevent more deaths."

Russia has repeatedly opposed the proposal to freeze the current contact line. Peskov said that Russia has received this proposal multiple times, but "Russia's position has always been consistent," requiring the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from areas such as Donetsk.

Lavrov said on the 21st that Russia only cares about "long-term, sustainable peace" regarding the proposal to "freeze the front line."

This article is an exclusive article by Observer, and it is not allowed to be reprinted without permission.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7563821847148069439/

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