U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans for another meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to work towards resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Although a specific date has not been confirmed, Trump revealed on social media that the meeting is expected to take place in Budapest, Hungary. Following a recent phone call with Putin, Trump expressed optimism about the progress made.
This upcoming meeting follows their previous encounter in Alaska last August, which did not result in significant diplomatic advancements. Prior to the Trump-Putin meeting, U.S. officials, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are scheduled to engage in discussions with Russian representatives next week, although the location of this meeting remains undisclosed.
The phone call between Trump and Putin preceded a meeting at the White House on Friday between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy has been urging Trump to provide Kyiv with Tomahawk missiles, enabling Ukrainian forces to target deeper into Russian territory and, in turn, encouraging Putin to engage in direct negotiations to end the conflict.
Trump, who had initially focused on Gaza-related matters during his visit to Israel, has shifted his attention towards resolving the Ukraine conflict. He now contemplates supplying Kyiv with long-range weaponry, such as Tomahawk cruise missiles, to exert pressure on Russia to engage in negotiations.
Despite Putin’s opposition to providing Ukraine with Tomahawks, Trump remains steadfast in his decision. Analysts suggest that while offering Tomahawks could make a significant impact, it may take time to equip and train Ukrainian forces on the system. In the meantime, the U.S. has already approved the sale of Extended Range Attack Munition and Army Tactical Missile System to Kyiv.
Moreover, Zelenskyy is expected to advocate for imposing further sanctions on Russia during his meeting with Trump, a measure the U.S. president has been reluctant to embrace. Congress has considered legislation to intensify sanctions, but Trump has primarily focused on urging NATO members and allies to halt their purchases of Russian oil, crucial for fueling Moscow’s military operations.
The White House has shown increasing interest in the Senate bill proposing tariffs on countries buying Russian exports. While Trump has not officially endorsed the bill yet, recent discussions suggest a growing seriousness towards the legislation, indicating a potential shift in the administration’s stance on Russian sanctions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the need for European support in countering Russian aggression, highlighting the importance of unified action against the threat posed by Putin’s regime.