Trump said on Truth Social that Russia had requested the call during which the two leaders agreed to hold a meeting in Budapest. According to Trump, the conversation focused on finding “ways to bring this inglorious war to an end.” The decision marks the formal start of preparations for what both sides are describing as a potential peace summit in Hungary’s capital, where Trump and Putin are expected to meet in the coming weeks.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán confirmed the meeting, “Preparations for the USA-Russia peace summit are underway,” he said in a post on X. He further added, “Hungary is the island of PEACE.”
The Prime Minister shared that Budapest is the only suitable place in Europe for a USA–Russia peace summit. "With long-standing pro-peace leadership and trusted partnerships, we provide a reliable, secure, and politically stable setting," he added.
The president said Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov next week to prepare for the talks. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that more details would follow soon.
Why Budapest
Budapest was picked because Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán enjoys unusually warm ties with both U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin; the Kremlin noted this dual relationship as a key reason for hosting the meeting there.
In addition, Hungary’s strategic positioning as the only major EU member somewhat able to stand between Moscow and Washington gives Budapest symbolic value as a “neutral-ish” bridge, even though many in Europe question that neutrality.
Worth noting that Vladimir Putin has been under an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children, meaning ICC member states are generally obliged to detain him if he enters their territory. Hungary, however, has explicitly said it would not execute that warrant, and in 2025, the government moved to withdraw from the ICC altogether, removing any remaining expectation that Budapest would arrest him.
That stance helps explain why Budapest is viable for a high-profile meeting.
Budapest: Hungary’s beautiful capital city
Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is located in Central Europe on the banks of the Danube River. It serves as the country’s political and cultural center and often hosts international conferences and security meetings. It is home to major government offices, secure venues, and airspace, which makes it a convenient choice for visiting delegations.
I’ve lived in Budapest for over a decade, and it’s a city I dearly love for its rich history, food, and magnificent architecture. The capital was once considered three cities: Buda, Pest, and Obuda, which later merged into one, Budapest.
The city may be underrated, but it is known for its endless cultural activities, historic sights, and a thriving food culture. The Neo-Gothic Parliament Building is one of the most popular landmarks of Budapest, housing the Holy Crown and other royal jewels. Not too far from the Parliament, you'll find Shoes on the Danube, a monument honoring the victims of the Holocaust, who were marched to the riverbank on a cold winter's night and ordered to remove their shoes before they were shot.
Budapest is also home to incredible thermal spas, one of the top things to do in the city. The Széchenyi Baths are the most famous and one of the biggest spa complexes in Europe, with majestic architectural elements and outdoor pools. There are plenty of other spas you'll find throughout the city's neighborhoods, such as Rudas Baths and Gellért Baths.
On the other side of the river, you'll find Deák Square, the city's bustling central square, a transport and shopping hub, which also hosts seasonal fairs and events throughout the year. Just blocks away from the square, there is St. Stephen's Basilica, the city's biggest church, which hides the country’s most revered (and eerie) religious relic: the embalmed right hand of St Stephen.
Budapest is not just architecture and history. The food here is also worth trying. One of the most famous dishes in the city is goulash, a slow-cooked beef and vegetable stew. Chicken paprikash, served with dumplings or noodles, is also the country's popular and beloved dish that you can find in restaurants in Budapest.
Budapest is also known for its delicious desserts, including Krémes, a favorite Hungarian dessert featuring a vanilla slice made from custard cream sandwiched between thin puff pastry layers. Other must-try desserts are Dobos torte, somlói galuska, and chimney cake.
Budapest is a city that has a rich history but is very much alive in the present. Even during major international events, daily life continues much as it always does: trams running along the river, cafés full by late morning, and the smell of fresh bread coming out of corner bakeries.
The exact site for the Trump-Putin meeting in Budapest has not been confirmed. Hungarian officials say preparations are moving ahead, though no schedule or venue details have been released. For now, the city is in the spotlight once again, not just for its role in global diplomacy but for the landmarks, markets, and riverfront that make it one of the most beautiful capitals of Europe.
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