Trump Announces Upcoming Peace Talks
President Donald Trump announced plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, Hungary, after what he described as a “good and productive” phone call focused on ending the war in Ukraine. The discussion reportedly lasted over two hours and included talk of new diplomatic channels between the two nations.
Trump stated that high-level advisers from both countries will meet next week, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio leading the American delegation. The talks are expected to prepare the groundwork for the eventual summit between Trump and Putin.
Russia Confirms Details and Pushes for Diplomacy
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed the call took place at Russia’s request, describing it as positive and forward-looking. Ushakov said Putin warned that sending U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine could harm peace efforts and further strain Moscow–Washington relations.
The meeting location—Budapest—was reportedly suggested by Trump and quickly accepted by Putin. Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev added that the conversation was “productive,” and the next steps toward peace were “clear.”
Ukraine Prepares for Washington Talks
The phone call comes just one day before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with Trump in Washington, D.C. Zelensky is expected to urge the U.S. to approve the transfer of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, which could allow Kyiv to target deeper into Russian territory.
Ukrainian officials, including Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak, have been in Washington this week meeting with Trump administration officials to coordinate priorities ahead of the visit.
Mixed Reactions and International Response
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán welcomed the planned Budapest summit, calling it “great news for peace-loving people” and stating that Hungary is ready to host the talks.
However, Western analysts remain cautious, noting that no concrete progress toward a ceasefire has been confirmed. Critics say Russia’s public enthusiasm for renewed dialogue may be aimed at delaying or softening U.S. military support for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Russia’s foreign envoys accused the United Kingdom and European Union of attempting to “derail peace prospects,” a claim Western officials have not substantiated.
Context: Trump’s Evolving Stance on Ukraine
Trump’s position on the war has shifted in recent months. Earlier this year, he suggested Ukraine might need to consider territorial concessions, but later stated that Kyiv could reclaim all of its original territory. The announcement of talks with Putin marks another turn in his effort to personally mediate an end to the conflict, following his recent role in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza.
Related Coverage
- National News – https://idahonews.co/national-news/
- Global News – https://idahonews.co/global-news/
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