Trump, Putin to Hold Talks in Budapest Aiming to Resolve Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Trump to Meet Putin in Budapest to Push for Russia-Ukraine Peace.

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest to work toward ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which he described as “inglorious.” The announcement came after a phone call Trump called “very productive.”

On Truth Social, Trump said Putin congratulated him and the US on achieving “peace in the Middle East,” calling it an accomplishment “dreamed of for centuries.” He added, “I believe this success in the Middle East will aid our negotiations to end the war with Russia/Ukraine.”

Trump also mentioned that Putin appreciated First Lady Melania Trump’s humanitarian work with children, which will continue, and that the leaders discussed post-war trade relations between the US and Russia. Preparations for the summit will involve high-level advisors next week, led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Budapest, seen as a neutral venue, will host the meeting.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed the call was initiated by Russia and noted that Putin warned supplying Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine could disrupt peace efforts and harm US-Russia relations. He added that Rubio will speak with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov before the summit.

Trump is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday to review the discussion with Putin, US military aid, and ongoing diplomatic coordination.