Trump says meeting with Putin ‘not right at this time,’ plans to meet Xi in South Korea

US President Donald Trump said he has decided to postpone a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing that “the timing isn’t right.” The announcement came during remarks to reporters following Trump’s meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the White House.

Talks that ‘lead nowhere’

Asked about his communication with Moscow, Trump stated that while his exchanges with Putin were “always pleasant,” they often failed to produce tangible results. “All I can say is that every time I speak with Vladimir, we have good conversations, but they don’t lead anywhere,” Trump told journalists at the briefing.

Focus shifts to China

Instead of meeting with the Russian president, Trump said he plans to hold discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to South Korea. While the US leader did not specify a date for the meeting, it is expected to take place as part of his broader diplomatic agenda in the Asia-Pacific region.

Strategic timing amid tense relations

Relations between Washington and Moscow have remained strained over issues ranging from Ukraine to cybersecurity, while Trump continues to emphasize cooperation with allies in Asia. His planned meeting with Xi is seen as part of efforts to stabilize trade relations and discuss regional security challenges, particularly concerning North Korea.