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Ukraine peace talks without the EU: Washington and Budapest meetings raise concerns over Putin's legitimization


Discussion about the meetings involving Trump, Zelensky and Putin, the EU reaction, and potential compromises on Ukraine's territories.

Meetings in Washington and Budapest are planned with the participation of Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky, and Vladimir Putin. After Trump’s conversation with Zelensky, the discussion acquired a new dimension, especially following Trump’s dialogue with Putin. Trump has promised to meet Putin in Budapest. However, the EU perceives this initiative as an affront since the Ukrainian issue will be discussed in an EU member country without EU representation. Furthermore, Hungary is not a member of the International Criminal Court, so obligations to arrest Putin do not apply on its territory.

Preparations for these talks include discussions about a possible “green corridor” for Putin's flight, with reports suggesting even Ukraine is willing to guarantee safe passage, reflecting new diplomatic realities. The likelihood of a Budapest meeting is high, but it will not end the war—it could mark the beginning of Putin’s gradual legitimization and talks on terms unfavorable to Ukraine.

Western media report a proposal from Putin to exchange Donbas for Russian-controlled areas of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, which has been indirectly acknowledged by Zelensky, who emphasized the sensitivity of territorial swaps. Ukrainian authorities state they do not plan to cede territories; compromises may relate instead to managing certain sites (like Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant) and supplying resources to occupied areas.

The prospect of pro-Russian political forces or churches participating in Ukraine’s political life, changes to the constitution, and other issues will be discussed after a potential freeze in active warfare. Likely, any compromises will be formalized in special framework documents resembling a peace agreement to be signed by authorized representatives rather than ratified by parliaments. This approach would essentially freeze the conflict without resolving it.