Donald Trump: Trump Plans Budapest Meeting with Putin After White House Talks with Zelenskyy: A New Push for Peace
In a world still reeling from the aftermath of war and political uncertainty, former U.S. President Donald Trump is once again stepping into the global spotlight this time with a bold attempt to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine. Trump announced that he will soon meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, Hungary, as part of a renewed effort to end the conflict that has devastated Ukraine for nearly four years.
A Call for Peace and Power
Speaking through his social media platform on Thursday, Trump revealed that he had a “great conversation” with Putin, hinting that their upcoming meeting could mark a turning point in the long running war. “I believe great progress was made with today’s telephone conversation,” he wrote, suggesting that diplomatic ground may be shifting after months of tension.
Trump’s decision to meet Putin follows his recent diplomatic tour, including a stop in Israel, where he helped maintain a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. With the Middle East showing signs of temporary calm, Trump has now turned his attention back to Europe’s biggest battlefield. His goal? To bring both sides Moscow and Kyiv to the negotiating table and, as he put it, “get Russia done.”
The Zelenskyy Connection
Before heading to Hungary, Trump will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday. This marks their fourth meeting of the year, underscoring the urgency and complexity of the war in Ukraine.
At the top of the agenda is Ukraine’s request for Tomahawk cruise missiles long range weapons that could allow Ukrainian forces to strike deep inside Russian territory. Zelenskyy argues that this would give Kyiv much needed leverage and force Putin to take peace talks seriously.
Trump, meanwhile, has hinted that selling Tomahawks to Ukraine could pressure Moscow into meaningful negotiations. “Do they want to have Tomahawks going in that direction? I don’t think so,” he said, suggesting that the threat of advanced weaponry could push Putin toward compromise.
Washington’s Balancing Act
Inside Washington, the proposal has sparked debate. Defense analysts say the Tomahawk missiles, with a range of nearly 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers), would dramatically change the dynamics of the war. However, such a move carries enormous political and military risks.
Some experts, like Mark Montgomery of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, argue that Ukraine could benefit more immediately from systems like the ERAM and ATACMS, which have shorter ranges but faster deployment times. Still, Trump seems determined to consider all options, weighing not just military outcomes but the political message it sends to Moscow and the world.
Rising Pressure on Russia
Beyond weapons deals, Zelenskyy is expected to push Trump to impose tougher economic sanctions on Russia, something Trump has so far been cautious about. While Congress debates new measures, Trump’s administration has focused instead on convincing NATO allies and partners, especially India, to cut off purchases of Russian oil the financial backbone of Putin’s war machine.
Reports from Washington suggest that Trump’s team is now taking a closer look at new sanctions legislation led by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal. The bill aims to impose steep tariffs on any nation that continues to buy Russian oil, gas, or uranium a move designed to cripple Moscow’s economy.
A senior White House official said the administration is “reviewing all tools” to ensure sanctions support Trump’s broader foreign policy goals. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that Washington is also waiting for stronger European cooperation before launching a new wave of economic pressure.
A Diplomatic Gamble
Trump’s upcoming meeting with Putin in Hungary will be his second since their Alaska summit in August, which ended without major breakthroughs. Yet this time, Trump appears more confident. Buoyed by progress in the Middle East and a renewed sense of purpose, he is betting that his personal diplomacy can achieve what years of sanctions and speeches have not an end to the bloodshed in Ukraine.
For many observers, this new chapter in Trump’s foreign policy journey is as much about legacy as leadership. Ending two major wars in Gaza and Ukraine would fulfill one of his most ambitious promises from his 2024 campaign: to restore peace and American influence through strength and deal making.
As the world watches, all eyes now turn to Budapest, where two of the most powerful and controversial figures in modern politics are set to meet once again this time, with the fate of Europe hanging in the balance.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reports and statements as of October 2025. It is written for informational and journalistic purposes only and does not represent any political endorsement or official policy position.
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