Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly stated his willingness to participate in a proposed summit in Budapest alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, provided he receives an invitation.
The potential trilateral meeting in the Hungarian capital, reportedly weeks away, stems from Mr. Trump’s ongoing efforts to mediate a peace agreement to end the devastating three-and-a-half-year war, which began with Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Speaking to reporters on Monday (October 20, 2025), Mr. Zelenskyy affirmed: “If I am invited to Budapest — whether it’s a direct three-way meeting or through ‘shuttle diplomacy’ where President Trump consults separately with Putin and then with me — we will certainly agree to participate in one form or another.”
However, the Ukrainian president voiced strong reservations about Hungary as the chosen location, noting its strained relationship with Kyiv and its reputation as a European Union member often perceived as sympathetic to the Kremlin. “I do not believe that a prime minister who consistently obstructs Ukraine’s interests can offer anything constructive for Ukrainians or contribute a balanced perspective,” Mr. Zelenskyy stated, referring to Hungarian leader Viktor Orban.
Kyiv has previously expressed openness to a trilateral meeting involving Zelenskyy, Putin, and Trump in various neutral territories, including Turkey, Switzerland, and the Vatican.
Mr. Zelenskyy also drew a parallel to a significant historical event, remarking, “Another ‘Budapest’ scenario wouldn’t be positive either.” This likely refers to the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, where Moscow, among other signatories, committed to safeguarding Ukraine’s security in exchange for its renunciation of Soviet-era nuclear weapons.
Since his return to the White House earlier this year, Mr. Trump has prioritized a swift resolution to the Ukraine conflict. His efforts have included advocating for direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials and even hosting Mr. Putin for a summit in Alaska, though these diplomatic initiatives have yet to yield a decisive breakthrough.