A historic high-level meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin could take place in Budapest within the next two weeks, according to Trump’s statement at a White House event on Thursday. The American president confirmed that the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, will host the talks, which are expected to focus on ending the war in Ukraine.
Budapest in the global spotlight
The announcement came unexpectedly, as Trump told reporters that he and Putin had already discussed the matter by phone and agreed to meet “in about two weeks” in Hungary’s capital. The Kremlin and the Hungarian government later confirmed the plan, with Orbán calling it “fantastic news for the peace-loving world” and stating that Hungary is fully prepared to host both leaders.
The planned meeting, quickly dubbed the “Budapest Peace Summit,” will reportedly be preceded by preparatory negotiations between the two countries’ foreign ministers, according to 24.hu. Trump also revealed that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Steve Witkoff will hold preliminary discussions with Russian counterparts next week to lay the groundwork for the summit.
Orbán’s mediation ambitions
Hungary’s selection as the venue is striking, given that it is a member of both the European Union and NATO: organisations that have taken a firm stance against Russia since the start of the invasion. However, Orbán has long positioned himself as a mediator between East and West, maintaining a notably close relationship with both Trump and Putin.
Hosting such a meeting could significantly elevate Budapest’s diplomatic profile, positioning Hungary as a bridge between Moscow and Washington. For Orbán, it also represents an opportunity to reinforce his image as a global statesman capable of influencing major international affairs.
A fragile path toward peace
According to Trump, he intends to brief Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday about the upcoming discussions, Pénzcentrum writes. The American leader emphasised that he plans to hold “two equal meetings” with both sides, given the “terrible relationship” between Kyiv and Moscow.
Among the issues likely to dominate the talks are Ukraine’s request for long-range Tomahawk missiles and ongoing sanctions against Russia. Trump noted that the United States itself “needs those missiles badly,” suggesting that further military support for Ukraine may face delays. He also mentioned that Putin was “not pleased” about Ukraine possibly receiving such weapons.
Trump further commented on new U.S. congressional sanctions targeting Russia, stating he would urge Republican lawmakers to postpone passing the legislation, arguing that “the timing would not be perfect right now.”
High hopes, uncertain outcomes
While hopes are rising for a diplomatic breakthrough, it’s best for everyone to remain cautious. Moscow has so far refused to compromise on its core demands, including full control over the Donbas region and the exclusion of NATO forces from Ukraine. Even if the Budapest summit proceeds as planned, few expect quick results.
Here’s News for the Daily News—Orban has been in the Trump orbit for last 10 years. Orban is the only leader in Europe to carry the torch to end the killing. While The DNH and Budapest are focused on trans issues and grooming children. We know how terrible it is here for sexual minorities and the struggle of gays for Palestine- but no march to end the killing in your neighbor country. I guess because Orban has been a leader to end the killing while the EU sending more money to keep it going.
Why do you have an obsession with “trans issues, grooming children, sexual minorities and gays”?
Right Larry! It seems that this issue it trotted out when all others fail. If Victor was really concerned about this he would not invite CPAC or Trump to Budapest, even his own party is awash in sexual scandals. It is the same in the U.S., it seems that every day there is a new pedo in the Trump orbit. As for Christian values, Trump and Putin are both adulters with children out of wedlock and wives left by the side of the road.
Не будет никакой встречи в Будапеште. Венгры, вам лучше не играть с огнём.)))