Story perspectives

Zelenskyy Open to Summit, Criticizes Hungary's Pro-Russian Stance

10/20/2025

Summary

Zelenskyy Weighs Summit

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, said he is ready to attend Budapest summit with Donald J. Trump and Vladimir Putin if invited.
He criticized Hungary as an unsuitable venue because of its pro-Russian stance and its ties to the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, saying any peace agreement must include Ukrainian input.
Trump faced backlash for suggesting Ukraine may concede to Russia, drawing concerns from European officials about the summit.

Summary

Trump and Putin Summit

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin plan to meet in Budapest, Hungary, to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he would join the summit if invited.
Zelenskyy criticized Budapest as unsuitable due to Hungary's pro-Russian stance.
The Kremlin aims to advance peace talks.
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán supports the summit, citing Hungary's unique role in facilitating dialogue.

History

Historical Context

The 1994 Budapest Memorandum was crucial as Ukraine gave up its nuclear arsenal for security assurances from the U.S., UK, and Russia, emphasizing Ukraine's sovereignty. Today, President Zelenskyy's concerns about Hungary's pro-Russian stance highlight ongoing tensions from this agreement. Hungary's recent vetoes on EU sanctions against Russia further complicate Ukraine's security landscape and diplomatic relations in Eastern Europe.

1 of 3

Zelenskyy Weighs Summit

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, said he is ready to attend Budapest summit with Donald J. Trump and Vladimir Putin if invited.
He criticized Hungary as an unsuitable venue because of its pro-Russian stance and its ties to the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, saying any peace agreement must include Ukrainian input.
Trump faced backlash for suggesting Ukraine may concede to Russia, drawing concerns from European officials about the summit.

1 / 3