Zelensky and Putin: Hungary may become a venue for the meeting.

The possible meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Hungary is becoming the main topic of diplomatic discussions. This option is actively being discussed against the backdrop of recent negotiations in Washington, where Donald Trump promised Kyiv security guarantees within the framework of a potential peace agreement.

This is reported by

Reuters

Meeting in Hungary

In diplomatic circles, the opinion is increasingly voiced that Hungary could serve as a neutral venue for negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. This decision is explained by several factors. Firstly, the country has a convenient geographical location in the center of Europe and maintains relations with both the West and Russia. Secondly, the government of Viktor Orban has repeatedly demonstrated its readiness to play a mediating role in complex international processes.

For Ukraine, such a meeting could become an important step towards de-escalation, even despite Budapest's controversial attitude towards certain EU decisions regarding sanctions. For the Kremlin, it would be a symbolic gesture — an attempt to show readiness for dialogue in a country that traditionally has a softer rhetoric towards Moscow.

Negotiations in Washington

Alongside these discussions, a meeting took place at the White House between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky. The American president stated that the U.S. is ready to help guarantee Ukraine's security after a possible peace agreement is reached.

'As for security, there will be a lot of support', Trump said.

Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the guarantees must be documented soon and expressed his readiness to expand military cooperation with Washington, particularly through significant defense purchases.

The Russian side also made it clear that the negotiation process could gain new momentum. Russian presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov stated that the elevation of representation levels from Kyiv and Moscow in direct negotiations is being discussed.

European Position

European leaders who arrived in Washington to support Zelensky advocated for a clear prerequisite for any agreements — cessation of hostilities. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron stressed that only a ceasefire can create conditions for real progress.

At the same time, Trump indicated that the process could begin even without a formal truce. This raised additional questions among European allies, who fear that without a ceasefire, negotiations risk remaining declarative.

The potential meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Hungary has become the subject of active diplomatic discussions. This meeting may take place in Hungary due to the geographical position of the country and the Hungarian side's willingness to act as a mediator in international relations. Concurrently, negotiations were held in Washington, where U.S. President Donald Trump promised Kyiv assistance in guaranteeing security in the event of a peace agreement. Some European leaders emphasize the need to cease hostilities as a prerequisite for any agreements.