Trump, Putin Set to Meet in Budapest to Discuss Ending Russia-Ukraine War

Trump to Meet Putin in Budapest to Seek End to ‘Inglorious’ Russia-Ukraine War.

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest to work toward ending what he described as the “inglorious” war in Ukraine. The announcement followed a phone call that Trump called “very productive.”

In a post 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.” Trump added, “I actually believe that the success in the Middle East will help in our negotiation in attaining an end to the war with Russia/Ukraine.”

Trump also noted that Putin praised First Lady Melania Trump’s humanitarian work with children and said it would continue. The leaders also discussed future trade relations between the US and Russia once the war ends.

Both sides have agreed to convene high-level advisors next week to prepare the groundwork for the talks, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio leading the American delegation. The meeting in Budapest, Hungary, is being seen as a neutral venue with ties to both Washington and Moscow.

Meanwhile, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed the call took place at Russia’s initiative. He said Putin warned that any US decision to supply Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine could jeopardize the peace process and damage bilateral relations. Ushakov added that the Budapest summit will be preceded by a call between Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov once preparatory discussions are complete.

Trump is also scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday to discuss the conversation with Putin, US military aid, and ongoing diplomatic coordination between the two nations.