President Trump signals momentum toward ending the Ukraine war, revealing plans for a U.S.–Russia–Ukraine dialogue as Washington readies a Rubio-led delegation.
Washington, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he would “love to see” Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet face-to-face to discuss an end to the war in Ukraine, a prospect the White House described as “possible” and “actively encouraged.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the president believes direct talks between the two wartime leaders are “the only viable path toward a lasting peace.”
“He thinks it’s possible and would love to see it happen,” Leavitt said, underscoring Trump’s personal involvement in opening communication channels between Moscow and Kyiv.
Trump–Putin Call Sets Diplomatic Stage
Leavitt’s remarks came just hours after a phone call between Trump and Putin, their first since meeting in Alaska on August 15. According to sources familiar with the call, the two leaders discussed “confidence-building measures” and the logistics of a potential peace summit that would bring Russian and Ukrainian negotiators together under U.S. mediation.
Following the conversation, Trump told reporters that he and Putin had agreed to meet again in Budapest, Hungary, though he did not specify a date.
“We’ll meet in Budapest soon,” Trump said. “It’s time to stop the killing and start the talking.”
He added that senior advisors from both sides will hold preliminary talks next week, suggesting that the summit could take place in the near future. Trump confirmed that the U.S. delegation will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, signaling Washington’s intent to play a direct and visible role in shaping any eventual framework for peace.
White House: ‘Momentum Toward Peace’
A senior administration official characterized the outreach as a “turning point,” noting that both Russia and Ukraine appear “open to structured dialogue” for the first time in months.
“President Trump’s goal is simple,” the official said. “To end the bloodshed, restore stability, and ensure that any resolution serves U.S. and allied interests while preserving Ukrainian sovereignty.”
The development comes ahead of Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House on Friday, where discussions will likely focus on security guarantees, reconstruction aid, and Washington’s expectations for future negotiations.
Budapest as Symbolic Venue
Hungary’s capital was chosen, Trump said, because of its “neutral position and strategic accessibility.” Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who maintains cordial relations with both Trump and Putin, has offered to facilitate the venue and logistics for the possible trilateral meeting.
Global Implications
If the meeting occurs, it would mark the most significant diplomatic initiative toward resolving the 32-month-long conflict since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Observers note that a successful summit could redefine U.S.–Russia relations and alter Europe’s postwar security landscape.
While skeptics question whether Moscow is genuinely interested in peace, Trump’s allies argue that his pragmatic diplomacy—anchored in direct leader-to-leader engagement—could achieve what previous administrations could not: a ceasefire grounded in mutual interest, not endless escalation.
