Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk questioned speculations that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin will convene in Budapest, stressing that similar spoils of peace talks have been contemplated elsewhere and hinting at a more neutral venue.
Prime Minister of Poland on Zelensky‑Putin Talks
On Wednesday (August 20) before noon, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted on X a skeptical remark regarding reports that Ukrainian and Russian presidents might meet in Budapest. “Budapest? Perhaps not everyone remembers, but back in 1994 Ukraine received territorial‑integrity guarantees from the U.S., Russia and the U.K. in Budapest as well. I might be superstition‑prone, but this time I would try to find another place,” the head of the Polish government noted.
White House Confirms Meeting is in Progress
Journalists asked the White House spokesperson about potential venues for the first meeting between Presidents Zelensky and Putin since 2019. On Saturday, the White House acknowledged that work is ongoing but did not disclose specific arrangements. Moscow, Budapest, and Geneva have been suggested as possible meet‑up points. Regarding the Russian capital, spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said, “I cannot comment on the confidential talks between Presidents Trump and Putin. I can say we are considering various options.”
Switzerland Offers Immunity for Putin
On Tuesday, August 19, Switzerland indicated readiness to grant President Putin diplomatic immunity if he were to arrive for peace talks concerning Ukraine. Swiss Foreign Affairs Secretary Ignazio Cassis relayed the message. Putin has been subject to an international arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in March 2023 for war‑crime charges. Switzerland last year clarified the conditions under which immunity would be granted for individuals under such warrants.
Kremlin Remains Silent on Zelensky‑Putin Meeting
Following discussions between Presidents Zelensky and former U.S. President Donald Trump, Moscow released a statement stating that Putin is prepared for trilateral talks in a Russia‑Ukraine‑U.S. format. However, neither Putin nor any of his officials has yet commented directly on the matter. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov remarked on the Washington talks, expressing Russia’s sincere interest in stabilizing the conflict to prevent further warfare and repeating that the crisis must never recur.
Source: Gazeta,
