Zelensky Ready for Trump-Putin Peace Talks After “Frank” White House Meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has once again made headlines, signaling his willingness to join Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin at a proposed peace summit in Budapest, Hungary. The meeting, which could take place in the coming weeks, aims to discuss the future of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war — a conflict that has reshaped global geopolitics since 2022.

Zelensky’s Statement: “We’re Ready If Invited”

Speaking to reporters, Zelensky made it clear that Ukraine remains open to diplomatic dialogue — but only under fair terms.

“If there’s an invitation and if the meeting is in a format where all three of us—Ukraine, the US, and Russia—can talk directly or through shuttle diplomacy, then we’ll agree,” he said.

The statement came shortly after the US and Russian presidents confirmed their intent to meet in Hungary. For many analysts, this could mark the first serious diplomatic attempt to de-escalate tensions since the war began.

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A Heated White House Meeting

However, Zelensky’s recent meeting with Donald Trump at the White House reportedly turned tense.
Media reports described it as a “heated discussion,” with the US side pushing Ukraine to consider Russia’s proposed terms for ending the war.

Despite the friction, Zelensky described the conversation as “frank” — diplomatic code for open, honest, but tough.

“My aim is not a quick peace. I want a just peace,” Zelensky told reporters, emphasizing that any deal must secure Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Why Hungary? Zelensky Criticizes the Choice of Venue

Zelensky openly questioned Hungary as the chosen location for the talks, citing Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s known pro-Russia stance.

“Orban cannot contribute positively to Ukraine’s cause, nor can he provide a balanced mediation,” Zelensky remarked.

His comments reflect Ukraine’s concern that Hungary may not be the most neutral ground for peace negotiations — especially given its complex ties with Moscow and the EU.

Missile Demands and Strategic Disagreements

According to inside reports, one of the key points during the White House meeting was Zelensky’s request for US Tomahawk missiles — weapons capable of striking deep into Russian territory.

Trump, however, avoided making any commitments. Ukraine’s delegation reportedly left Washington empty-handed, a sign of growing tension over military aid and strategy.

Leaked accounts from The Financial Times revealed that Trump even warned Zelensky:

“If you don’t agree to Russia’s terms, Putin will destroy Ukraine.”

The same report claimed Trump pushed Ukraine to surrender the Donbas region — an idea that Kyiv has repeatedly rejected.

A Long and Brutal War

The Russia-Ukraine war, which began in February 2022, has caused massive destruction, displacement, and economic turmoil across Europe.

Initially, Trump suggested that Ukraine might need to cede some territory to achieve peace. However, in recent months, his tone has shifted dramatically.

During a recent rally, Trump said:

“Kyiv can win back all of Ukraine — the whole nation in its original form.”

This reversal signals that even Washington’s leadership may be rethinking how to end the war without permanently weakening Ukraine.

Trump’s Global Pressure Campaign

As part of his renewed diplomatic strategy, Trump is pushing NATO countries, China, and India to stop purchasing Russian oil — one of Moscow’s main economic lifelines.

The US administration believes that cutting off oil revenue could force Russia to reconsider its position and return to the negotiation table.

However, some experts warn that excessive sanctions could backfire, pushing Russia closer to non-Western allies and deepening global polarization.

Zelensky and Trump: From Tension to Cautious Cooperation

Relations between Zelensky and Trump have been turbulent. Early interactions were marked by mistrust and televised debates. But in recent months, both leaders appear to have found cautious common ground.

In February, during a White House meeting, Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance held a heated discussion with Zelensky on live TV. Yet, behind closed doors, sources say both sides agreed on the need for “new diplomatic mechanisms” to end the war.

This evolution suggests that despite disagreements, Washington and Kyiv still recognize each other as indispensable partners in seeking a long-term resolution.

Trump’s “24-Hour Peace” Promise Faces Reality

During his re-election campaign, Trump repeatedly claimed he could “end the Ukraine war in 24 hours.”

Now, after returning to office, he admits the conflict is more complicated than he imagined.

“This is the toughest diplomatic crisis I’ve ever dealt with,” Trump said. “I thought peace would be simple, but it’s layered with decades of mistrust.”

For many observers, this candid admission marks a rare moment of humility in Trump’s political career — and an acknowledgment that peace requires more than bold promises.

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What’s Next? Budapest Summit May Define the Future

If Zelensky indeed joins Trump and Putin in Budapest, it could become one of the most significant summits of the decade.

The stakes are enormous:

• Will the meeting produce a genuine peace framework?

• Or will it simply deepen divisions between East and West?

Analysts suggest the outcome will depend largely on whether both Washington and Moscow are willing to compromise.

Zelensky has already made his position clear — peace, yes, but not at the cost of Ukraine’s freedom.

“Our people have paid too high a price,” he said. “We will talk, but we will not surrender.”

The world will be watching as the Budapest peace summit takes shape.
For Ukraine, it’s a chance to secure lasting peace and reclaim stability.
For Trump and Putin, it’s an opportunity to redefine their global legacies.

Whether this becomes a historic peace moment or another political theater, one thing is certain — the decisions made in the coming weeks will shape Europe’s security and the future of international diplomacy.