In a major diplomatic move, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to hold a new summit aimed at ending the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
The decision followed a long phone conversation between the two leaders and comes just before Trump’s scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Trump described the discussion as productive, lasting more than two hours. He confirmed that Budapest, Hungary, has been selected as the venue for the upcoming summit. Although no specific date has been set, both sides expressed optimism about reaching progress in the peace process.
Ukraine’s Defense Requests Stir Tension
President Zelenskiy’s upcoming meeting in Washington focuses on securing stronger military support, especially long-range weapons that could help Ukraine strike key Russian positions. These advanced systems could shift the balance on the battlefield and strengthen Kyiv’s defenses.
However, during the recent discussion with Trump, Putin expressed serious concerns about supplying such weapons to Ukraine.
He warned that doing so could harm diplomatic progress and damage relations between Moscow and Washington. The U.S. now faces a delicate balancing act—supporting Ukraine’s defense while keeping peace talks alive.
Budapest Summit Carries Symbolic Significance
Choosing Budapest as the summit’s location holds deep geopolitical meaning. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban has positioned his country as a bridge between East and West, often taking independent stances on the Ukraine war.
Orban’s government has faced criticism from Kyiv over alleged airspace violations involving drones—claims he has rejected. Unlike most NATO members, Hungary continues to maintain open communication with Moscow.
Orban welcomed the upcoming summit, calling it “a step toward global peace” and offering Hungary’s full support as host.
Putin’s limited travel options, due to international arrest warrants, also made Budapest a practical choice for the high-profile meeting.
Preparations Underway for Diplomatic Talks
To prepare for the summit, Trump revealed plans for preliminary talks between senior officials from both countries next week.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the American delegation, while Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will represent Moscow. The meeting location has not been confirmed, but it signals a clear roadmap toward the main event.
Trump stated that he will brief President Zelenskiy during their White House meeting, emphasizing his commitment to ending the conflict that began in 2022. He framed the upcoming talks as a breakthrough moment and a step toward restoring peace in Eastern Europe.
Fighting Continues Amid Diplomatic Hopes
While diplomatic efforts gather pace, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Russian forces launched a large overnight assault using drones and precision missiles targeting Ukrainian infrastructure. Zelenskiy condemned the attacks, describing them as an attempt to weaken civilian resilience ahead of winter.
In retaliation, Ukrainian troops have intensified strikes on Russian fuel and energy sites, continuing the tit-for-tat exchanges that have marked the war’s fourth year. The conflict has severely strained both countries’ energy systems and civilian morale.
Trump’s administration is also working on international pressure strategies, including talks with India and China to reduce their energy ties with Moscow. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced this stance, warning of stronger sanctions if Russia refuses to cooperate.
Trump hinted that the U.S. could still approve long-range weapons for Ukraine if diplomatic progress stalls signaling both pressure and incentive for peace.
Balancing Diplomacy and Strategy
The proposed Trump-Putin summit in Budapest follows an earlier meeting in Alaska that produced limited results. Despite criticism, Trump maintains that direct dialogue remains vital for global stability.
With ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe, this new summit could become a turning point. As Zelenskiy visits Washington and diplomatic channels reopen, the world watches closely for signs of progress toward ending one of the most complex conflicts in recent history.
