Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated his readiness to join Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin at a proposed summit in Hungary should he receive an invitation.
The presidents of the US and Russia revealed their intent to hold talks regarding the war in Ukraine in Budapest, potentially occurring in the coming weeks.
On Monday, Zelensky informed reporters, If it is an invitation in a format where we meet as three or, as it's called, shuttle diplomacy... then in one format or another, we will agree.
However, media reports suggest that Zelensky's meeting with Trump on Friday devolved into a shouting match, with the US urging Ukraine to accept terms offered by Russia to end the war.
Zelensky maintained a cautious demeanor during his first press briefing following the discussions, emphasizing that significant disagreements remained between the two parties. He described the meeting as frank, asserting that his primary goal is to achieve a just peace, not merely a quick resolution.
The Ukrainian leader criticized Hungary as the venue for the potential Trump-Putin talks, questioning the positive contributions that Prime Minister Viktor Orban—viewed by Kyiv and some EU leaders as aligned with the Kremlin—could offer.
When questioned about his involvement in the Budapest meeting, Trump expressed a desire to make the situation comfortable for all parties, stating, We'll be involved in threes, but it may be separated, while underscoring the necessity for the three leaders to engage.
Discussions have also been held between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding preparations for the upcoming summit.
Zelensky had initially hoped to secure US Tomahawk missiles during his visit to the White House to enhance Ukraine's military capabilities against Russian aggression but left the meeting without a definitive agreement from Trump.
Reports indicated that the atmosphere during the Trump-Zelensky session was more contentious than previously acknowledged, with sources claiming Trump warned Zelensky that Putin would destroy Ukraine unless he complied with Russian demands. Furthermore, documents related to the conflict were reportedly disregarded, with Trump insisting Zelensky concede the Donbas region to Russia.
Trump took to social media shortly after the meeting, asserting that Russia and Ukraine should halt at their current positions, suggesting a mutual claim to victory.
Zelensky, in response, indicated his support for an immediate ceasefire but insisted that Ukraine would not offer any concessions to the aggressor.
In the wake of the meeting, political analysts have expressed disappointment, reflecting a sentiment that Ukraine did not secure the desired outcomes. Some believe that despite the heated meeting, Trump might be trying to position himself as a mediator rather than align entirely with Putin's perspective.
As geopolitical tensions continue to evolve, the ongoing dialogue between these leaders remains crucial to understanding the future trajectory of the conflict in Ukraine.
