Donald Trump has announced his intention to meet with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Budapest, Hungary, to discuss potential pathways to end the war in Ukraine. The former U.S. President stated he believes a resolution to the ongoing conflict is possible through direct talks with Putin.
This progress arrives as the war in Ukraine continues into its tenth year, with no immediate ceasefire in sight. A meeting between Trump and Putin would mark a significant, and possibly controversial, attempt at diplomatic intervention, particularly given Trump’s past expressions of admiration for Putin and ongoing scrutiny of Russian interference in U.S. elections. The outcome of such a meeting could have far-reaching implications for the geopolitical landscape and the future of Ukraine.
Trump made the announcement on October 25, 2023, indicating he would leverage any possibility to “see if we can end” the war. He did not specify a date for the proposed meeting, but confirmed Budapest as the intended location.
The announcement follows repeated calls from some quarters for increased diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, which has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and widespread destruction. While the Biden governance has maintained support for Ukraine and imposed sanctions on Russia, Trump has frequently criticized the U.S. approach, suggesting a more conciliatory stance toward Moscow.Prior to the full-scale invasion launched in February 2022, Trump repeatedly sought direct engagement with Putin, holding several meetings during his presidency. These interactions drew criticism from both Democrats and Republicans who expressed concerns about Trump’s willingness to accept Putin’s assurances at face value. The proposed Budapest meeting is highly likely to reignite those debates.
