Overview

• Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stepped off his flight in a white sweater bearing the Soviet-era “CCCP” insignia, drawing immediate attention on social media as a symbolic challenge
• Speaking to Russian state television Rossiya-24, Lavrov said Moscow has “arguments, a clear and understandable position” ready to present at the talks but declined to forecast an outcome
• President Trump has called the meeting a listening session with roughly a 25% chance of failure and has pressed for a swift, comprehensive peace deal
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Vladimir Putin of bluffing over ceasefire proposals, and European governments insist Ukraine’s leaders must be part of any negotiations
• The summit follows recent Russian advances in eastern Donetsk that have heightened skepticism among U.S. allies about Moscow’s intentions