budapest, Hungary - Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are planning to meet in Budapest, Hungary, to discuss potential pathways to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Trump announced Friday. The planned meeting follows a lengthy telephone conversation between the two leaders on Thursday,during which they reportedly made “great progress” toward finding a resolution.
The prospective talks arrive as Ukraine continues to seek advanced weaponry from the United States, including Tomahawk missiles, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently appealing to Trump for assistance. A negotiated settlement, should one be reached, could dramatically alter the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe and potentially impact global energy markets and security alliances. The timing of the meeting is currently unconfirmed.
“To see if we can end this ’embarrassing’ War, between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. he further stated, “I’m talking to President Putin right now. This conversation is ongoing, long, and I will report its contents, as will President Putin, eventually. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
The announcement comes amid continued fighting in Ukraine and international efforts to mediate a ceasefire. Details regarding the agenda and potential outcomes of the Budapest meeting remain scarce.
(fca/fca)