Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced his readiness to join U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a potential summit in Hungary if invited. Following a significant phone call between Trump and Putin, plans for talks regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine may unfold in Budapest in the coming weeks.
In a press briefing, Zelensky indicated, If it is an invitation in a format where we meet as three or, as it's called, shuttle diplomacy... then in one format or another, we will agree. This comment comes on the heels of a notably tense meeting with Trump, where sources indicated a confrontational atmosphere, as U.S. representatives pushed for Ukraine to consider Russia's conditions for peace.
Despite the friction, Zelensky described the meeting as frank, emphasizing his commitment to achieving a just peace, not merely a quick resolution. He voiced objections to Hungary serving as the summit location, criticizing Prime Minister Viktor Orban as an ally of Moscow and questioning Hungary's ability to foster positive discussions for Ukraine.
Trump later remarked on the potential format of the meeting, ensuring that efforts were made for comfort amongst the leaders involved. Reports cite that preparations for the summit were facilitated by calls between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, signalling a continuation of diplomatic engagement.
As discussions loom, Zelensky had been aiming to receive advanced missile technology during his time at the White House but left without securing any commitments, as Trump remained noncommittal on military support.
Reflecting on the atmosphere of the meeting, further analysis suggested that tensions had been more pronounced than previously understood, with accusations of Trump mirroring Russian stances regarding Ukraine's future territories. The outcome indicates complexities as Kyiv grapples with the realities of international diplomacy amid war.
