On Thursday, Oct. 16, 2023, U.S. President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing the Middle East, Ukraine war, and future trade, amid plans for a follow‑up meeting in Hungary.
Putin–Trump Call
During the October 16 call, Trump described it as highly productive, noting the discussion of a Middle East agreement that Putin called a centuries‑old dream. He also reiterated belief that success there would aid negotiations to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Putin congratulated Melania Trump for her child‑support initiative, thanking her and promising to continue the effort. The leaders also examined prospects for post‑war trade between Russia and the United States.
Trump‑Putin Meeting in Hungary
Trump announced that next week a senior‑level meeting between U.S. and Russian advisers would take place in Budapest, Hungary, to decide whether to end the protracted conflict. He said the President agreed with Putin that this meeting would occur at a mutually decided location.
Trump also plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office to discuss his conversation with Putin and other matters, expressing confidence that the phone call made significant progress.
