Zelensky Accepts Invitation to Join Trump and Putin Summit on Ukraine War in Budapest

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated he is willing to join a proposed Budapest summit with Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

“Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for inclusive and quiet peace talks with Russia to achieve a just and lasting resolution to the conflict”

НикВести

He stated that his participation depends on receiving a formal invitation and on the summit being held in a format that allows direct or shuttle diplomacy.

НикВести

Reports say that Trump and Putin announced planned talks aimed at negotiating peace following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Zelensky mentioned he could take part through shuttle engagements among the three leaders.

Some media coverage notes that no date has been set for the meeting, which is expected to take place in the coming weeks.

Zelensky and multiple outlets question Budapest as a credible venue due to Hungary’s tense ties with Kyiv.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s perceived pro-Kremlin stance raises doubts about the location.

Opinion Nigeria

The legacy of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum also factors into the skepticism.

Several sources say Kyiv prefers neutral sites such as Turkey, Switzerland, or the Vatican for talks.

Kyiv seeks balanced mediators to ensure fairness in negotiations.

Others note that while Zelensky doubts Orban’s neutrality, he prioritizes results over the location.

Zelensky would accept shuttle diplomacy where Trump meets leaders separately if necessary.

Accounts differ on recent interactions between Trump and Zelensky that influenced the summit's agenda.

“Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed willingness to join former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin for important talks in Hungary if invited”

The US Sun

Some sources report that Trump urged territorial concessions and a ceasefire along current lines after a call with Putin.

Others say Zelensky denied being asked to surrender Donbas and described the meeting as frank or constructive.

Several outlets agree the exchange was tense and note Ukraine's refusal to cede territory.

However, narratives vary on whether pressure was applied and by whom.

Trump’s position and debates over military support for Ukraine differ across various reports.

Several outlets report that he pushed to freeze front lines and showed inconsistency on Ukraine policy, including refusals to supply long-range Tomahawk missiles.

CBS News

Other sources include stronger warnings that Putin would "destroy" Ukraine if his demands were not met.

Alternative and regional outlets highlight contradictions in Trump’s statements over time.

Some reports note that Zelensky still seeks deep-strike capabilities and remains open to negotiations if invited.

European dynamics form a critical backdrop as leaders weigh a Budapest summit.

“The text provided, "political will," is too brief and lacks sufficient context to generate a meaningful summary”

The Straits Times

EU ministers have agreed to phase out remaining Russian gas imports by 2028.

The Straits Times

Broader reporting sketches intense fighting and complex diplomacy, including a possible Trump–Putin meeting hosted by Hungary’s Viktor Orban.

Some outlets note Orban’s stance and even Putin’s ICC warrant as factors in the optics.

One publication uniquely highlights press freedom concerns amid Russian repression.