Aug 19, 05:50 PM

White House Eyes Budapest for Zelenskyy-Putin-Trump Peace Talks Amid Kremlin Caution and Secret Service Preparations

The White House is considering Budapest, Hungary, as the venue for potential peace talks involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and former U.S. President Donald Trump. According to Politico and other sources, preparations for a trilateral summit are underway, including involvement by the U.S. Secret Service. While Hungary is emerging as the top candidate to host the negotiations aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict, the Kremlin has emphasized the need for careful, step-by-step preparations. French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed a preference for Moscow as the meeting location. The prospect of hosting such a summit presents an opportunity for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, though Budapest remains a contentious choice for Ukraine given the country's political context. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also acknowledged the feasibility of a trilateral summit in Budapest. Discussions continue as stakeholders weigh the logistical and diplomatic implications of the proposed meeting.