U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he will soon meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, Hungary, to discuss potential steps toward ending the war in Ukraine. The announcement followed what Trump described as a “productive” phone conversation with the Russian leader.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán welcomed the news, saying, “We are ready!” Ahead of the meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead a delegation for preparatory talks with Russian representatives next week.
Trump is also set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday — their fourth meeting this year — where discussions are expected to center on Kyiv’s request to purchase Tomahawk cruise missiles. Zelenskyy argues the long-range weapons could strengthen Ukraine’s position and push Moscow toward serious peace negotiations.
While Trump said he is considering the sale, he acknowledged that the decision would be “as much political as military.” Moscow has warned that supplying Tomahawks to Kyiv would cross a “red line” and severely strain U.S.-Russia relations.
Defense analysts suggest Ukraine could see more immediate benefits from Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) and ATACMS systems already approved by Washington, although the Tomahawk — with a range of about 1,600 kilometers — would significantly expand Ukraine’s strike capability.
Trump’s fresh diplomatic push comes as part of his broader effort to bring an end to both the Ukraine and Gaza wars, central pledges of his 2024 campaign. Following a ceasefire in Gaza, he expressed renewed optimism that Moscow could now be encouraged to pursue peace talks.
Zelenskyy is also expected to press for tougher U.S. sanctions on Russia. Congress is currently debating legislation targeting nations that continue to buy Russian oil and gas, though the White House has not yet formally endorsed the plan.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington is waiting for greater European cooperation before moving forward. “We will respond,” Bessent said, “if our European partners join us.”
SR
