German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says the planned Putin–Trump meeting in Budapest strengthens hopes of ending the Ukraine conflict after recent U.S. diplomatic efforts.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the upcoming meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U. S. President Donald Trump in Budapest brings «even greater hope» for an end to the ongoing conflict. He shared this view in an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
According to Merz, President Trump fully understands both his responsibility and the political leverage he holds. The chancellor noted that if Trump’s 20-point plan to resolve the conflict in Gaza becomes a model of successful diplomacy during his presidency, he is likely to continue focusing on the situation in Ukraine and work toward bringing the war to an end.
On October 16, Putin and Trump held a phone conversation during which they agreed to meet in person in Budapest. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban assured that the talks would take place «in a secure and reliable environment.»
Commenting on the choice of venue, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Hungary — as a member of both NATO and the European Union — maintains «a special position» based on defending its sovereignty and pursuing its national interests.
During his meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky at the White House, Trump described Orban as «an excellent host.” He clarified that his discussions with Putin would take place without Zelensky’s participation, though the Ukrainian leader would «remain in contact.»
Following Washington’s success in mediating a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, Berlin appealed to Trump to intensify pressure on Moscow in order to help bring the conflict in Ukraine to a close.
The Kremlin, however, reiterated its stance that the authorities in Kiev are not interested in continuing negotiations and are unwilling to make any attempts toward reaching mutual agreements.
The planned summit in Budapest is thus emerging as a potential turning point — one that could influence not only the future of the Ukrainian conflict but also the broader geopolitical balance between Moscow, Washington, and Europe.
