The United States cancelled a planned summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest following a tense diplomatic exchange. The move came after Russia sent a firm memo reiterating its hard stance on Ukraine, prompting Trump to say he would not meet Putin unless a concrete peace deal appeared possible.

BulletsIn

• U.S. cancels Trump-Putin summit planned in Budapest.
•  Decision followed a “tense call” between top diplomats of both nations.
• Russia sent a tough memo outlining its non-negotiable demands on Ukraine.
• Trump said he would not meet Putin without clear progress toward peace.
•  The summit aimed to push forward settlement talks on the Ukraine war.
• Trump: “I’m not going to be wasting my time without a real deal.”
•  He called Russia’s latest stance “very disappointing.”
•  Their last meeting on August 15 in Alaska was described as encouraging.
•  Ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks killed at least 4 in Ukraine.
•  Conflict nearing fifth year, no signs of de-escalation.