Budapest Summit? Zelenskyy Ready to Meet Putin, Wants Trump to Intensify Pressure

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signaled a strong willingness to engage in direct peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting Budapest as a neutral ground for such a summit. He also appealed to former President Donald Trump to significantly increase sanctions and pressure on the Kremlin, arguing that a tougher stance is necessary given Putin’s actions. Zelenskyy drew a comparison between Putin and Hamas, asserting that the Russian leader requires a more forceful approach. This comes as Ukraine seeks advanced military aid, such as Tomahawk missiles, capable of reaching deep into Russia. Trump’s reaction to the potential missile transfer was ambiguous, a point Zelenskyy noted, interpreting it as a sign that a refusal was not immediate. The Ukrainian president believes that Putin is apprehensive about the prospect of Ukraine receiving these advanced weapons, a development Putin himself has labeled as a “new stage of escalation.” Zelenskyy stressed the indispensable role of Ukraine in any peace discussions, questioning the legitimacy of deals made without their involvement. He confirmed his readiness to attend a meeting if it is genuinely aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace, free from the threat of missiles and drones. Despite recent Russian strikes targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Zelenskyy maintains that Ukraine is holding its ground and that these attacks indicate Russia’s weakening position and desperation to cause an “energy disaster” this winter. He unequivocally dismissed any proposals involving territorial concessions, emphasizing that maintaining current positions is crucial for diplomatic negotiations. When asked about Trump’s potential to end the war, Zelenskyy expressed a hopeful sentiment.