EXCLUSIVE – Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is teasing a series of votes punishing Russia for the war in Ukraine, calling legislation that cleared a key Senate panel this week part of a “toolbox” of options meant to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table.

The White House has revealed why President Trump cancelled his planned meeting with Vladimir Putin in Budapest over the Ukraine War, emphasizing the need for a “tangible, positive outcome” before proceeding.

The Kremlin denied Tuesday that it was holding up President Donald Trump’s latest push to end the war in Ukraine, and insisted it had not changed its demands ahead of possible talks. Trump had announced that Russia and the United States' top diplomats would meet this week, with his own summit with Vladimir Putin to follow in Budapest, Hungary.

BUDAPEST/BRUSSELS (Reuters) -When Russia's Vladimir Putin steps off the plane in European Union and NATO member Hungary for a summit with Donald Trump, it will be

“Budapest is essentially the only place in Europe today where such a meeting could be held, primarily because Hungary is almost the only pro-peace country,” Orbán said. “For three years, we have been the only country that has consistently, openly, loudly and actively advocated for peace.”