In a diplomatic pivot, President Donald Trump on October 17 greeted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House following a lengthy phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the two leaders agreed to plan a face-to-face summit in Budapest as soon as within two weeks.
Speaking with reporters, Trump proposed that Ukraine and Russia declare an armistice along current front lines, urging both sides to “stop where they are” and calling for urgency in achieving peace. Zelensky welcomed the idea as a potential foundation for broader talks, but underscored that persuading Putin remains the central obstacle.
A key flashpoint in their meeting was Zelensky’s push for U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles — a long-range capability Kyiv claims is critical. Trump, however, voiced caution, warning that supplying powerful weaponry risks escalation and could deplete U.S. stockpiles.
The Budapest summit, already in early planning stages, is being coordinated through diplomacy between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Kremlin officials stress extensive groundwork remains before a formal meeting can occur, citing unresolved issues and procedural hurdles.
Observers in Kyiv and Moscow alike express muted expectations for rapid breakthroughs. Ukrainians largely view the summit with skepticism, cautioning that progress without firm guarantees could undercut the war effort.
As Trump balances between diplomacy and defense commitments, Zelensky’s visit underscores Kyiv’s reliance on U.S. backing — even as the contours of American support seem increasingly fluid.
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