Trump confident Russia, Ukraine leaders will meet despite Russian doubts

President Donald Trump remains optimistic about a potential meeting between Russian and Ukrainian leaders to negotiate an end to their conflict, despite Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's insistence on preliminary discussions at lower levels. Lavrov also criticized Western discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine, which are being explored by NATO leaders amid ongoing Russian attacks in eastern Ukraine. Former U.S. Ambassador William Taylor and some lawmakers urge Trump to adopt a firmer stance against Russia, potentially through sanctions, while potential summit locations include Budapest and Geneva. Trump has ruled out deploying U.S. troops to Ukraine but is open to providing air support.