Putin-Trump Summit Expected Soon as Hungary Prepares for Talks

International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Friday, October 17th, 2025

rki.news
Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL, October 17, 2025 – The Kremlin confirmed Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump may hold a bilateral summit in Hungary within the next two weeks, as both sides finalize preparations for their first in-person meeting since Trump’s return to office.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow that the meeting “could indeed take place within two weeks or a little later,” adding that the timing will depend on logistical arrangements for President Putin’s travel.
The U.S. president earlier said the talks could be held in Budapest, following what he described as a “very productive” phone conversation with Putin on Thursday. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov characterized the call as “substantive, frank, and confidential,” noting that both leaders agreed to instruct their teams to begin immediate preparations for the summit.
According to Peskov, the decision to select Hungary as the venue was mutual. He said Hungary’s “unique position as both a NATO and EU member that defends its own national interests” made it a suitable location for the meeting.
He emphasized that the next stage of coordination will take place between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to determine the agenda and negotiation teams.
Peskov declined to comment on whether the New START Treaty or U.S. arms deliveries to Ukraine would be included in the discussions, but confirmed that Putin reiterated Russia’s position on potential Tomahawk missile transfers during Thursday’s call.
He added that the conversation was initiated by Moscow following Trump’s recent Middle East trip, during which Putin congratulated him on what he termed a “successful diplomatic effort.”