Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Signals Willingness to Attend Trump-Putin Summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed openness to joining a high-stakes summit reportedly being arranged between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting is expected to take place in Budapest, Hungary, in the coming weeks, though no official date has been confirmed.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Zelenskyy said he would “take part if invited,” but added that he remains cautious about the summit’s venue. His concern stems from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s close ties with Moscow and his repeated efforts to obstruct European Union aid to Kyiv.
“If I am invited to Budapest — if it is an invitation in a format where we meet as three, or as it’s called, shuttle diplomacy, President Trump meets with Putin and President Trump meets with me — then, in one format or another, we will agree,” Zelenskyy told journalists.
Trump’s Push to End the Russia-Ukraine War
President Trump has made ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which began with Moscow’s invasion in February 2022, a top foreign policy priority of his new term. While the White House has not outlined a detailed peace framework, Trump continues to pressure both sides to halt hostilities.
In August 2025, Trump met Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, hoping to build momentum toward a ceasefire. However, U.S. officials say he left the meeting “deeply frustrated” by the Russian president’s lack of concessions.
In recent months, Trump has oscillated between promising Ukraine stronger support — even suggesting sending Tomahawk missiles — and calling for a freeze of current battle lines, a position that critics argue rewards Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian territory.
Zelenskyy’s Position: “We Stand Where We Stand”
After a tense two-hour meeting with Trump at the White House on October 17, Zelenskyy said he believes the U.S. remains committed to Ukraine’s defense, but acknowledged growing pressure for compromise.
“After many rounds of discussion over more than two hours with [Trump] and his team, his message, in my view, is positive — that we stand where we stand on the front line,” Zelenskyy said.
This statement was interpreted as Ukraine’s acceptance of a temporary ceasefire along current military positions, though Kyiv continues to insist that any long-term peace must involve the restoration of its internationally recognized borders.
Concerns Over the Budapest Venue
The proposed summit location — Budapest — has drawn criticism from Kyiv and several European capitals. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, widely considered Russia’s closest ally within the European Union, has consistently blocked or delayed EU military and financial aid to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy questioned whether Orban could serve as an impartial host, saying he doubted the Hungarian leader “can do anything positive for Ukrainians” or “provide a balanced contribution.”
According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Budapest was selected because both Trump and Putin “have constructive relations with Orban,” describing Hungary as a “neutral and practical choice” for peace negotiations.
However, the venue also poses legal and diplomatic complications: the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin over alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Hungary, which has begun withdrawal proceedings from the ICC, has stated it will not enforce the warrant.
“Another Budapest Scenario”?
Zelenskyy warned against what he called another “Budapest scenario,” referring to the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, under which Ukraine surrendered its Soviet-era nuclear arsenal in exchange for security assurances from Russia, the U.S., and the U.K. — assurances that Moscow later violated with the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the 2022 invasion.
“We must ensure history does not repeat itself,” Zelenskyy said, implying skepticism about Russia’s commitment to any future guarantees.
European Reactions: Anger Over Putin’s Planned Visit
European officials have reacted sharply to reports that Putin may visit Hungary for the summit despite the ICC warrant.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the move “unacceptable,” saying:
“It’s not nice to see that a person under an ICC arrest warrant is coming to a European country.”
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys was more direct, declaring:
“The only place for Putin in Europe is The Hague, in front of the tribunal, not in any of our capitals.”
Kallas also confirmed that the European Union is preparing its 19th round of sanctions against Russia, which could be approved later this week.
Kremlin Response: Work on Summit “Just Beginning”
Kremlin spokesman Peskov said preparations for the Budapest summit are still in the early stages. He claimed Moscow remains committed to “serious work” with Washington but accused Kyiv of “sending mixed signals” that complicate peace efforts.
Despite tensions, both Moscow and Washington appear interested in testing diplomatic channels, with Budapest serving as a possible — if controversial — meeting ground.
The Bigger Picture: What’s at Stake for Ukraine and the West
The prospect of Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy meeting face-to-face marks the most ambitious diplomatic effort since the start of the war.
For Trump, success would bolster his image as a global dealmaker. For Putin, it offers a chance to regain legitimacy on the world stage.
For Zelenskyy, participation in the talks could secure U.S. backing for Ukraine’s defense — or risk pressure to accept a peace deal unfavorable to Kyiv.
As the summit plans develop, Western allies are watching closely to see whether Budapest becomes a turning point in the war — or a repeat of failed peace efforts from the past.
Key Takeaways
- Zelenskyy says he would attend Trump-Putin talks in Budapest if invited.
- Concerns rise over Hungary’s pro-Russian stance and ICC withdrawal.
- Trump seeks to broker peace, but his shifting positions worry Kyiv.
- Putin faces ICC arrest warrant, yet Hungary pledges non-compliance.
- EU prepares new sanctions as summit plans advance.
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