The European statement referred to “Russia’s stalling tactics”, indicating how intractable Moscow’s position remained.
Trump, who has often adopted a conciliatory tone towards Russia, is now planning direct talks with Putin in Budapest – although the date for a preparatory meeting between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Lavrov seems to be slipping.
The US president spoke by phone to Putin last week, a day before meeting Zelensky and his team in the White House.
Several sources have told Western media that Trump pushed the Ukrainian leader to give up large areas of territory in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, known as the Donbas, as part of a deal with Russia.
Some reports suggested there had been a “shouting match”. Zelensky only described the talks as “frank”.
The Ukrainian president has often ruled out withdrawing from the region, arguing that Russia could use it as a springboard for future attacks. “I explained during my visit to Washington last week that Ukraine’s position has not changed,” he said on Monday.
Although Russia has occupied most of Luhansk, Ukraine remains in control of about a quarter of Donetsk, including the key cities of Slovyansk and Kramatorsk.
