President Donald Trump has proposed Budapest as the potential location for a second summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, aiming to find a resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine. This announcement has been warmly received by Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who emphasized Budapest’s unique position as a pro-peace nation in Europe.
Orbán expressed his belief on state radio that Hungary is well-suited to host the talks, asserting that for three years, the country has been a loud advocate for peace amidst the conflict. His remarks also hinted at Hungary’s refusal to support military and financial aid for Ukraine, which he implied has contributed to its selection as the venue for the diplomatic discussions.
While specifics of the summit’s agenda are still being determined, Orbán noted on social media that preparations are underway, describing Hungary as an “island of PEACE.” This summit could follow upcoming discussions between American Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Trump’s announcement comes on the heels of his recent dialogue with Zelenskyy, where he expressed optimism regarding the progress made in deescalating the conflict. Zelenskyy, however, is anticipated to push for increased military assistance during these talks, particularly long-range Tomahawk missiles, which could enable strikes deep into Russian territory. His comments suggested that Moscow’s eagerness to engage in dialogue may stem from its current defensive position in the conflict.
During a previous meeting in Alaska this past August, Trump and Putin’s discussions did not yield significant advancements toward peace, while attacks in Ukraine have persisted. The proposed Budapest summit is positioned as a significant diplomatic opportunity, although past attempts at similar three-way discussions have fallen short.
For Orbán, who is currently under pressure domestically due to high food prices and economic challenges, hosting such a prominent summit may serve as a distraction from local issues. International relations expert Emily Ferris noted that Hungary typically lacks significant influence in global affairs, making Orbán’s role in this scenario noteworthy.
Ferris also pointed out the limitations surrounding Putin’s travel within Europe, especially considering the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes. Hungary’s membership in the ICC obliges it to act on this warrant, complicating the potential for a visit by Putin. Following discussions with other leaders facing similar legal challenges, Orbán suggested he would reconsider Hungary’s relationship with the ICC.
Orbán assured that Hungary would welcome Putin respectfully and facilitate negotiations with Trump. However, Ferris warned that the summit could also cast Hungary in a negative light, potentially portraying it as a supporter of Kremlin narratives regarding Ukraine.
In the larger context of international relations, the Budapest summit holds both opportunities and risks. It reflects a complex interplay between global diplomacy and regional politics, with implications for Hungary’s future in the European Union and its international reputation.