Russia and US Actively Discussing Ukraine Settlement Amidst Postponed Putin-Trump Summit

Kremlin Confirms Active Ukraine Settlement Discussions

Moscow – A top Kremlin foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, announced on Sunday, November 16, 2025, that Russia and the United States are actively engaged in discussions aimed at achieving a peaceful settlement for the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Ushakov stated that these contacts are based on 'understandings' forged during the Alaska summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and then-US President Donald Trump on August 15, 2025.

According to Ushakov, these 'Anchorage agreements' have been communicated to Kyiv. However, he noted that Ukraine and 'many Europeans' have expressed disapproval of these understandings, suggesting a preference for continued conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov further elaborated that these understandings were rooted in conditions for a lasting settlement previously outlined by President Putin in June 2024. Moscow maintains that the United States has not officially rejected these agreements.

Postponement of Budapest Summit and Divergent Views

Despite the ongoing discussions, a highly anticipated follow-up summit between President Putin and Donald Trump, initially planned for Budapest, Hungary, in October 2025, has been indefinitely postponed. The delay followed a pre-meeting between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov being put on hold.

Sources indicate that the US decided to scrap the Budapest summit due to Russia's 'maximalist stance' and 'sweeping demands' concerning Ukraine, which reportedly included calls for Ukraine to cede territory. Donald Trump reportedly expressed a desire to avoid a 'meaningless' meeting and was 'annoyed' by President Putin's boasts about battlefield gains. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, while expressing hope for a future summit, acknowledged that both sides agree such a meeting requires thorough preparation to be productive.

Ukraine's Position and Russia's Unwavering Goals

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, on November 13, 2025, stated its refusal to engage in new negotiations with Russia before the year's end, citing a lack of substantial progress in previous rounds of talks. This stance contrasts with Russia's insistence on a peaceful settlement while simultaneously affirming its commitment to its core objectives in the conflict.

Kremlin officials, including Dmitry Peskov, have repeatedly stated that Russia will only end the war once it has 'achieved the objectives it set out from the start.' These objectives reportedly include the 'elimination of the well-known root causes' that led to the current confrontation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly questioned Russia's sincerity, suggesting Moscow shows 'no willingness to negotiate' and aims for full control of the Donetsk Oblast.

Future of Diplomacy Remains Uncertain

The diplomatic landscape remains complex, with both sides maintaining firm positions. While US Vice President J.D. Vance has characterized direct dialogue with Russia as part of the 'Trump doctrine,' the recent postponement of the Budapest summit highlights significant hurdles to a breakthrough. The continuation of contacts, despite the lack of a high-level meeting, underscores the ongoing, albeit challenging, efforts to find a resolution to the Ukraine crisis.