Russia reveals secret Putin-Trump meeting talks; Zelensky & NATO shocked? | Ukraine war

Discussions of a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in Budapest have been ongoing since October 2025. According to Russian aide Yuri Ushakov, the leaders last spoke on October 16 and agreed in principle to meet in Budapest, with Ukraine peace negotiations—based on prior agreements from Anchorage—at the forefront. However, planning encountered obstacles, chiefly disagreements over Russia’s maximalist demands on Ukraine and the status of front lines. President Trump announced the Budapest meeting was postponed after Russia refused concessions, but both sides have publicly kept open the possibility of a future summit if mutual conditions are met. While U.S. and Russian officials continue diplomatic contacts, no date is set, and sanctions as well as political hurdles remain major obstacles. Budapest remains the preferred, but unrealized, venue for direct U.S.-Russian talks on Ukraine.