US President Donald Trump has held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The discussion focused on preparing for new negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, as well as on the future economic relationship between the US and Russia if the conflict is resolved.
It was announced that another meeting is being planned between the US and Russian presidents, this time in Budapest, under the patronage of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Before this, high-level talks will be held between officials, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio representing the United States and either Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov or presidential aide Yuri Ushakov expected to represent Russia.
Trump reported progress in his conversation with Putin, particularly concerning possible postwar agreements. However, he indicated that the delivery of long-range weapons to Ukraine may be put on hold pending further developments in the US-Russia dialogue. Trump also drew parallels with the Middle East process between Israel and Hamas, stating that ending the war would require concessions and broad agreements from all sides.
The Russian side described the call as productive and outlined clear next steps. In Hungary, the upcoming meeting is welcomed as an opportunity for peace, but European leaders remain cautious due to ongoing sanctions and the International Criminal Court warrant for Putin.
The upcoming White House meeting between Trump and Zelensky will set US priorities on support for Ukraine, with the future of military assistance still uncertain. The provision of arms could be delayed to strengthen the US negotiating position with Russia.
The article analyzes that Russia’s outlook on ending the war includes demands for recognition of Crimea, lifting of sanctions, maintaining control over occupied territories, and flexibility on trade with countries importing Russian energy. The final outcome of negotiations remains unclear, and the risk of renewed escalation is significant.
The conclusion discusses each side’s political strategy, suggesting that lasting peace can only be reached through the exhaustion of conflict potential. The prospect of an immediate ceasefire is viewed as temporary, given Russia’s approach and current tactics.
