Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated his readiness to participate in a potential summit involving Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, which is being arranged in Hungary. The announcement follows a phone call between the two leaders where they discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Zelensky, speaking to reporters, 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. This sentiment comes after a notably heated meeting with Trump at the White House, which media reports described as a shouting match. During this meeting, the US negotiators urged Ukraine to accept Russian demands to expedite the conclusion of the war.
The Ukrainian president stressed the importance of pursuing a just peace, criticizing Hungary's role as a mediator due to its close ties with the Kremlin. We cannot expect anything constructive from Orban, Zelensky remarked, emphasizing concerns over the fairness of the discussions.
Despite the contentious nature of the previous talks, Trump remarked on social media that both sides should cease hostilities at the current front lines, urging a solution where both Russia and Ukraine could claim some form of victory.
In light of these developments, the dynamics leading up to the Hungary summit create an atmosphere of uncertainty and high stakes as both Zelensky and Trump navigate pressure from their respective nations and interests.
