European Leaders Insist on Current Battle Lines in Ukraine for Peace Talks

European leaders emphasize that the ongoing battle lines in Ukraine must be the foundation for any peace talks. As Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin plan a summit, complications have arisen regarding meeting preparations. European allies are concerned about potential concessions without guaranteeing a ceasefire at the existing lines.

European leaders stressed on Tuesday that the existing battle lines in Ukraine should serve as the foundation for any peace negotiations. This stance comes amid complications in organizing a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump aims to host this summit in Budapest, Hungary, within a fortnight.

However, progress has stalled after a scheduled preliminary meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was postponed. Reports suggest that Trump's contentious meeting last week with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy ended with Trump supporting an immediate ceasefire at current territories, aligning with Kyiv's long-standing demand.

As European leaders prepare to meet Zelenskiy at upcoming summits, concerns linger that Trump's engagement with Putin may not yield significant Russian concessions. The proposed Budapest meeting venue remains contentious, with Poland suggesting it will act on an international warrant if Putin's flight traverses its airspace.

(With inputs from agencies.)