Kremlin Welcomes Putin-Trump Meeting, Claims “Disinformation” Impedes Progress

Russian officials on Tuesday reiterated that preparations for a potential meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump are continuing, while simultaneously complaining about what they describe as “widespread disinformation” surrounding the diplomatic effort.

Sergei Ryabkov, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, told Russian news agency Interfax that Moscow remains focused on the “substantive side” of arranging talks between the two leaders. “We are following the instructions we have received,” Ryabkov stated, suggesting the Kremlin remains committed to the diplomatic initiative.

“Questions of timing, format and sequencing are largely secondary to the substance,” Ryabkov emphasized, indicating Russia’s priority is on meaningful dialogue rather than logistical details.

The deputy minister expressed frustration at what he characterized as deliberate attempts to undermine the potential summit. He claimed there are efforts “to portray the situation as having changed compared to a week or two ago,” which he attributed to those “opposed to reaching agreements.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov echoed these sentiments in separate remarks to Gazeta.ru. “The topic of the summit is surrounded by a large number of rumors and disinformation, most of which do not correspond to reality,” Peskov said, attempting to downplay speculation about complications in the planning process.

“There are no updates yet,” Peskov added, confirming that no specific date has been established for the potential meeting between the Russian and American leaders. He stressed that preparation for such high-level diplomacy “requires careful coordination.”

The comments from Moscow come amid growing international interest in Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s claim that preparations for a “peace summit” in Hungary are ongoing. Orbán, who has maintained closer ties with Russia than most European leaders during the Ukraine war, has previously positioned himself as a potential mediator.

This diplomatic maneuvering takes place against the backdrop of significant geopolitical tensions. Relations between Russia and the United States have deteriorated to their lowest point since the Cold War following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Biden administration has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, providing billions in military and humanitarian assistance.

The Kremlin’s renewed interest in diplomacy with the United States comes as both countries prepare for potential political transitions. Russia recently held elections that maintained Putin’s grip on power, while the United States faces its own presidential election in November.

Foreign policy experts have expressed skepticism about the prospects for substantive progress in any Putin-Trump meeting. Critics suggest that Russia may be attempting to create the appearance of diplomatic engagement to ease international pressure while continuing its military campaign in Ukraine.

The timing of these diplomatic overtures is particularly notable given recent battlefield developments in Ukraine and ongoing debates among Western allies about the scale and scope of military assistance to Kyiv.

For Ukraine and its allies, the prospect of direct talks between Russia and the United States raises concerns about potential agreements that might undermine Ukrainian sovereignty or territorial integrity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently maintained that any peace process must involve Ukraine directly and cannot compromise on the country’s independence or territorial sovereignty.

As preparations reportedly continue, observers will be watching closely for concrete signs of diplomatic progress beyond the rhetorical exchanges currently dominating the discourse.