Zelensky Open to Joining Trump and Putin at Hungary Peace Summit Amid Tense U.S.-Ukraine Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is open to participating in a proposed peace summit alongside U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin if formally invited. The high-stakes meeting, expected to be held in Budapest, Hungary, could mark a pivotal moment in efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The proposal for talks between the U.S. and Russian leaders was announced last Thursday, with both Trump and Putin expressing interest in holding direct discussions in the coming weeks. However, Zelensky’s participation remains uncertain as diplomatic tensions grow following a reportedly heated meeting between the Ukrainian and U.S. delegations in Washington.
Zelensky Signals Willingness to Join Talks
Speaking to reporters on Monday, President Zelensky said he would consider attending the Hungary summit if the format allowed for meaningful dialogue.
“If it is an invitation in a format where we meet as three, or what’s known as shuttle diplomacy, then in one form or another, we will agree,” Zelensky said.
His comments suggest that Kyiv is not ruling out participation but remains cautious about the structure and intent of the meeting. The Ukrainian leader also made it clear that any discussions must prioritize “a just peace” rather than a rushed or one-sided agreement.
Tense Washington Meeting Between Trump and Zelensky
Reports have surfaced that Zelensky’s meeting with Trump at the White House on Friday was far more confrontational than publicly acknowledged. According to several media outlets, including The Financial Times, the talks allegedly devolved into a “shouting match” as the two sides clashed over how to end the war.
Sources familiar with the discussion claimed that U.S. officials urged Ukraine to accept Russia’s conditions for peace, warning that continued resistance could provoke greater destruction. Trump allegedly told Zelensky that Putin would “destroy” Ukraine if he refused to negotiate.
Although neither side confirmed the exact details, the Ukrainian president appeared visibly frustrated during his subsequent press briefing.
“The talks were frank,” Zelensky said. “Our goal remains a just peace — not simply a quick one.”
Disagreements Over Hungary as Summit Location
Zelensky expressed skepticism about holding such a crucial summit in Hungary, criticizing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for his perceived closeness to Moscow.
“I don’t believe Hungary’s leadership can offer anything positive for Ukrainians or even provide a balanced contribution,” he remarked.
When asked by reporters whether Zelensky would be invited, Trump said he wanted to “make it comfortable for everybody.”
“We’ll be involved in threes, but it may be separated,” he said, suggesting the meetings could take place in multiple formats. “Ultimately, all three leaders have to get together.”
Failed Attempt to Secure Tomahawk Missiles
One of Zelensky’s key objectives in Washington was to obtain U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles to enhance Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities. However, he appeared to leave the talks empty-handed.
Trump remained noncommittal about the request, reportedly citing concerns that supplying such weapons could escalate the war. Instead, the U.S. administration focused on urging Kyiv to consider a diplomatic settlement.
Despite this setback, Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine would continue defending its sovereignty and seek stronger security guarantees from Western allies.
Conflicting Signals From Washington
The recent reports highlight deep divisions within the U.S. approach to the Ukraine conflict. Trump has long maintained that he could “end the war in days” if both sides agreed to direct talks. Yet his stance has shifted multiple times since returning to office.
Just last month, Trump appeared to take a harder line against Moscow, saying Kyiv could “win back all of Ukraine in its original form.” He claimed this shift came “after fully understanding the Ukraine-Russia military and economic situation.”
Previously, however, Trump suggested Ukraine might need to cede some territory to achieve peace — a proposal that Zelensky has repeatedly rejected.
The Ukrainian leader has made it clear that no territorial concessions are acceptable, especially in the Donbas and Crimea regions, both of which remain under partial Russian control.
Putin’s Role and Russia’s Territorial Gains
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, has resulted in Moscow controlling about 20% of Ukrainian territory, including much of the eastern Donbas region. Despite heavy losses, Russian forces continue to fortify their positions along key frontlines.
The Kremlin has not confirmed details of the proposed Budapest summit, but Russian state media has framed it as an opportunity to “reopen diplomatic channels” with both Washington and Kyiv. Analysts note that Moscow likely views the talks as a way to legitimize its territorial control while reducing Western military aid to Ukraine.
Tensions Over Trade and Sanctions
The U.S. has intensified economic pressure on Moscow in recent months, pushing NATO allies, as well as China and India, to halt purchases of Russian oil. Trump also warned of tougher sanctions if Putin failed to make progress in ending the conflict, though those measures have yet to materialize.
Meanwhile, Moscow continues to find new markets for its energy exports, helping to cushion the impact of Western sanctions. Experts believe that without stronger enforcement, Russia’s economy will remain resilient despite international isolation.
A Strained Relationship Between Kyiv and Washington
Relations between Zelensky and Trump have fluctuated throughout the past year. After a tense Oval Office meeting in February — during which Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly criticized the Ukrainian leader — the two appeared to mend ties temporarily.
However, the latest confrontation suggests renewed friction. U.S. officials are reportedly divided over how much additional military aid Ukraine should receive and whether continued support risks dragging America deeper into a prolonged war.
Zelensky, on the other hand, insists that ending Western aid now would “hand victory to Moscow” and undo years of Ukrainian resistance.
Uncertain Path Ahead
The proposed Budapest summit could become a turning point in the war — or another diplomatic stalemate. While Trump and Putin seem eager to meet, questions remain about whether Zelensky will be invited or if the talks will include Ukrainian representation at all.
Diplomatic experts warn that any peace framework excluding Ukraine could be seen as an attempt to impose a settlement rather than negotiate one.
“Without Ukraine’s voice, no agreement will be legitimate,” said one European diplomat familiar with the talks.
For now, Zelensky has kept the door open but insists that “justice and sovereignty” must guide any peace discussions. As the war nears its third year, the world watches closely to see whether the Budapest summit can bring the first real breakthrough — or deepen divisions among the key players shaping Europe’s future.