Moscow: The Kremlin announced that Russia aims to advance peace negotiations concerning the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine during the upcoming summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in Budapest, Hungary.
According to Anadolu Agency, the two presidents recently discussed the possibility of holding another face-to-face meeting during a phone call last Thursday. They agreed that representatives from both countries would immediately start preparing for the summit, with Budapest being considered as a potential venue. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov provided these details.
Following what was described as a "very productive" phone conversation, Trump stated that a meeting in Hungary could occur within two weeks after high-level delegations gather next week. The last meeting between the two leaders took place on August 15 in Alaska.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists that Moscow intends to use the talks primarily to advance a peaceful resolution in Ukraine. He also expressed that Moscow wishes to discuss Russia-US relations during the summit. The choice of Budapest as the venue is attributed to the positive relationships both leaders have with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Peskov further noted that the preparations for the summit have not yet started and are expected to begin soon. Regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's potential participation in the summit, Peskov remarked that significant groundwork is required, involving foreign policy agencies and the respective ministries of foreign affairs from both Russia and the US.
Ukrainian media reported earlier on Monday that President Zelenskyy expressed his willingness to participate in any negotiation format that might resolve the conflict, including one in Budapest, despite considering it not the optimal location for talks. Zelenskyy stated that if invited, he would be open to engaging in discussions, even if it involves "shuttle diplomacy."
In response to reports suggesting that Putin demanded full control over Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region during his call with Trump, Peskov stated there was no additional information beyond what had already been shared. The Washington Post reported, citing officials familiar with the conversation, that Putin proposed relinquishing parts of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions in exchange for control over Donetsk.
Peskov reiterated the Russian Federation's consistent position and readiness to negotiate a halt to hostilities along the current front line in Ukraine. He also emphasized Russia's willingness to enhance cooperation with Iran and the importance of negotiations concerning Tehran's nuclear program.