Saturday, March 29, 2025
After Gaza, Trump Turns to Ending Russia-Ukraine War; to Meet Putin in Hungary Next Week
Washington, October 17, 2025 — After successfully brokering a ceasefire in Gaza, U.S. President Donald Trump has now shifted his focus to ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Trump announced that he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, Hungary, next week to discuss a potential peace framework.
The announcement came just a day after Trump’s phone call with Putin, which he described as “very good.” Trump revealed on his social media platform that high-level advisory meetings on the Russia-Ukraine conflict will begin next week, led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the American side.
Trump emphasized that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas — achieved under his mediation — has inspired him to take a similar initiative in Eastern Europe.
During his phone call, Trump claimed that Putin congratulated him and the United States for restoring peace in the Middle East, calling it “a dream fulfilled after centuries.”
Trump stated, “Our success in Gaza will serve as a foundation for peace in Ukraine.”
According to the White House, next week’s strategic advisory meetings will set the stage for Trump’s face-to-face meeting with Putin in Hungary. These meetings, headed by Marco Rubio, will explore possible ceasefire terms and post-war economic cooperation between Washington and Moscow.
Trump added that after these preliminary discussions, he will personally meet Putin in Budapest to “discuss ways to end the ugly and destructive war between Russia and Ukraine.”
Before traveling to Europe, Trump will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Oval Office on Friday. The meeting will focus on Trump’s conversation with Putin, ongoing military aid, and possible diplomatic pathways toward peace.
Trump concluded his post by expressing confidence that the phone discussion with Putin had led to significant progress, signaling that a new round of negotiations may soon begin under U.S. mediation.
