Budapest is gearing up for a high‑profile summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán praising the capital as the sole suitable venue.
Hungary Engages with Russia
Hungary is in talks with Russia ahead of the upcoming Trump‑Putin summit, according to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Orbán disclosed that he had a long conversation with President Trump yesterday evening and also spoke with Russians, promising a phone call with President Putin this morning or by noon on 17 October.
Orbán Announces Preparations
During a weekly interview with the Hungarian public broadcaster, Orbán explained that preparations were underway for the meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, which is expected to take place within two weeks.
Budapest Claimed as the Only Venue
When asked why Budapest was chosen, Orbán said Trump does not usually justify his decisions, but added that Hungary is the sole European location where such a meeting can occur because only there is a “peace‑oriented” regime.
Trump’s Call with Putin
On Thursday, 16 October, Donald Trump had a telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin, describing it as “very fruitful.” He wrote that he and Putin would meet at the agreed location, Budapest, to explore ending the “notorious” war between Russia and Ukraine, and announced that on Friday 17 October he would host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House.
