Washington: US President Donald Trump announced plans on Friday for a second summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The announcement was made during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House.
According to Kuwait News Agency, President Trump described the upcoming summit as a “double meeting,” noting that President Zelensky would not be directly present but would remain in communication. Trump emphasized his role as a “mediator president,” aiming to maintain a balanced approach between the conflicting parties. He acknowledged the complexities of mediating between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders, who have a history of tension.
During the press conference, President Zelensky stressed the importance of securing strong bilateral security guarantees for Ukraine amidst ongoing attacks. He highlighted the need for a ceasefire and emphasized the significance of alliances and military support, notab
ly from NATO. Zelensky expressed his desire for peace, urging further pressure on President Putin, whom he accused of resisting peace efforts.
The Ukrainian President also underscored the necessity of acquiring Tomahawk cruise missiles, proposing a potential exchange involving Ukraine’s drones to facilitate cooperation. While President Trump acknowledged the strategic importance of Tomahawks, he expressed hope that the conflict could be resolved without resorting to additional armaments.
President Trump refrained from committing to a stance on whether Ukraine might need to concede territory as part of a peace agreement. His views on the matter have fluctuated, previously suggesting land swaps might be essential, only to later assert that Ukraine could potentially reclaim all Russian-occupied territories.