Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is ready to join proposed talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, should an invitation be extended. The two world leaders announced plans for a potential summit in Hungary to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Zelensky stated, “If it is an invitation in a format where we meet as three or, as it’s called, shuttle diplomacy… then in one format or another, we will agree.” His remarks came days after reports emerged of a heated meeting between him and Trump at the White House.
According to media outlets, the meeting between the US and Ukrainian delegations allegedly descended into a “shouting match,” with Trump’s team urging Ukraine to consider Russia’s terms for ending the war. The Financial Times reported that Trump even told Zelensky that Putin would “destroy” Ukraine if Kyiv refused to compromise, and that he brushed aside maps showing the frontline, suggesting Ukraine should surrender the entire Donbas region.
Zelensky described the encounter as “frank” but reaffirmed his commitment to a “just peace” rather than a “quick peace.” He also criticized Hungary as the host of the planned Trump-Putin summit, saying Prime Minister Viktor Orban could not contribute positively to Ukraine’s cause.
When asked if Zelensky would be involved, Trump said he wanted to “make it comfortable for everybody,” adding that “the three leaders have to get together,” though he hinted discussions could happen separately.
Zelensky had hoped to secure US Tomahawk missiles to strengthen Ukraine’s defense, but Trump remained non-committal. Despite recent improvements in their relations, this latest meeting revealed the deep rifts that still define US-Ukraine diplomacy as the war enters its third year.
