Despite mounting international pressure, Putin has repeatedly refused negotiations with Zelenskyy, insisting that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is justified. Western nations have noted Moscow's skill in exploiting loopholes to evade sanctions, complicating efforts to weaken its war capabilities.

The provision of long-range weapons to Ukraine, including Tomahawk missiles, is necessary so that the regime of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin feels the real consequences of the war, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated while addressing the participants of the European Council meeting.

Ukraine's president left DC without the missiles he hoped for, but he said he's 'ready' to attend Trump's proposed U.S.-Russia summit in Budapest.

President Trump refuses to waste time on unproductive summit with Vladimir Putin, citing need for guaranteed Ukraine peace agreement before any meeting occurs.