Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated his willingness to attend a potential summit with Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Hungary, should an invitation be extended. The leaders of the US and Russia had previously announced plans for discussions concerning the war in Ukraine, with Budapest as a possible venue in the near future.
In recent statements, Zelensky shared his perspective, suggesting that if the meeting were to occur as a three-way discussion or through shuttle diplomacy, an agreement could be reached. This comes amid media reports suggesting a tense meeting between Zelensky and Trump at the White House, where the US side reportedly urged Ukraine to consider Russia’s terms for ending the conflict.
During his press briefing, Zelensky remained measured but highlighted significant differences in viewpoints. He conveyed to Trump that his primary objective is a lasting and just peace, rather than a swift resolution. Zelensky also expressed reservations about Hungary hosting the proposed talks, questioning the ability of Prime Minister Viktor Orban to make a positive or balanced contribution to the situation.
When questioned about Zelensky’s potential involvement in the Budapest meeting, Trump stated his desire to ensure comfort for all parties, noting that the discussions might occur in separate formats. He emphasized the necessity for the three leaders to convene.
Reports also suggest that Zelensky had hoped to secure advanced US weaponry, such as Tomahawk missiles, for operations against Russia during his talks with Trump. However, he appeared to leave without a firm commitment on this matter, as Trump maintained a non-committal stance.
Further media reports have indicated that the meeting between the US and Ukrainian leaders was more strained than initially perceived. According to one publication, Trump advised Zelensky that Ukraine would face complete destruction if it did not accept Russia’s conditions for peace. The reports also suggest that the US delegation echoed Russian talking points during the meeting and that Trump allegedly dismissed maps of the Ukrainian frontlines, insisting Zelensky cede the entire Donbas region to Putin.
Russia initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Notably, Trump recently shifted his public stance, suggesting that Kyiv could reclaim all Ukrainian territory in its original form, attributing this change to a deeper understanding of the conflict’s dynamics.
Previously, Trump had hinted that a resolution might involve territorial concessions from Ukraine, a prospect Zelensky has consistently opposed. Trump has also been actively encouraging NATO members, along with China and India, to reduce their purchases of Russian oil to exert economic pressure on Moscow to end the war. While he had previously threatened stricter sanctions against Russia if Putin failed to meet peace process deadlines, these threats have not materialized.
Relations between Trump and Zelensky had appeared to improve significantly in recent months, a contrast to an earlier meeting in February where both Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly criticized the Ukrainian president.
During his presidential campaign, Trump asserted he could end the war in Ukraine within days. However, he has since acknowledged the complexity of resolving the conflict, describing it as more challenging than any situation he has encountered since returning to office.