A recent two-and-a-half-hour phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin has set the stage for a new summit in Budapest, Hungary, aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. This development comes amidst intense diplomatic activity, including warnings from Putin regarding Tomahawk missile supplies to Kyiv and Europe’s accelerated defense preparations, underscoring the complex and high-stakes nature of the ongoing conflict.
The global community is closely watching as diplomatic efforts intensify to bring an end to the prolonged conflict in Ukraine. In a significant development, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to hold a summit in Budapest, Hungary, following a “very productive” phone call that lasted approximately two and a half hours. This agreement signals a renewed push for peace, with both leaders expressing optimism about the potential for progress.
The call, initiated by Russia, saw Putin thank Trump for his recent “great accomplishment of peace in the Middle East,” according to Trump’s statement on Truth Social. This sentiment highlights a potential strategic pivot by Trump, who appears “buoyed by his apparent success in the Middle East” and is now focusing on the Ukraine war, as noted by US correspondent David Blevins.
The Road to Budapest: Advisor Meetings and Diplomatic Precedents
The path to the Trump-Putin summit will begin with a meeting of high-level advisors next week. On the US side, this will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who will engage with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed these preparatory talks, stating that the timeline for the summit itself would depend on the progress made by these officials, as reported by Reuters.
This upcoming meeting is not the first instance of direct communication between Trump and Putin. They last spoke on August 18, following a hastily arranged bilateral summit in Alaska. Since Trump’s return to the White House in January, the leaders have had several lengthy calls, including a 90-minute discussion in February on Ukraine peace, the Middle East, and energy, and a two-hour call in March that led to Putin agreeing to halt strikes on Ukrainian energy targets for 30 days. However, previous attempts have not always yielded breakthroughs, with Trump expressing disappointment in July 2025, stating, “I don’t think he wants to end the conflict.”
Tomahawk Missiles: A Red Line in Peace Negotiations
A contentious point in the ongoing discussions is Ukraine’s persistent request for US long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to press this request during his meeting with Trump at the White House tomorrow. Russian officials have repeatedly warned against this “dangerous move,” with Putin cautioning Trump during their call that providing these missiles would “harm US-Russia ties and the peace process,” according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.
Putin emphasized that while Tomahawks would not alter the battlefield situation, they would cause “significant damage to relations between our countries,” highlighting a clear red line for Moscow. Trump reportedly told Putin he would consider these concerns when meeting with Zelenskyy, underscoring the delicate balance of interests he aims to navigate.
The Humanitarian Crisis: Abducted Children and Targeted Aid
Beyond military and diplomatic maneuvers, the humanitarian cost of the war remains a critical concern. During their call, Putin reportedly thanked Melania Trump for her “involvement with children.” This refers to her advocacy for abducted Ukrainian children, an issue she raised in a letter delivered by Trump to Putin in Alaska in August.
The scale of this crisis is stark; the Yale University Humanitarian Research Lab estimated in June 2023 that over 35,000 Ukrainian children had been taken to more than 100 locations in Russia and occupied territories. The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin in 2023, citing his personal responsibility for these war crimes.
Adding to the humanitarian concerns, recent reports reveal attacks on aid workers. In Kherson, a Russian drone targeted trucks delivering hygiene items, medications, and food, clearly marked with UN and WFP logos. Such actions are a brutal violation of international law and demonstrate Russia’s disregard for civilian lives, as condemned by Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha.
Ukraine’s Winter War: Energy Infrastructure and North Korean Support
As winter approaches, Ukraine faces intensified challenges, particularly concerning its energy infrastructure. Following recent Russian attacks, emergency power outages have been implemented across all regions of Ukraine. Ukrenergo, the state-owned electricity operator, confirmed the news, with Ukraine’s energy ministry urging rational electricity use. This situation echoes past winters, where Russia has escalated attacks on energy facilities.
On the battlefield, Ukraine has also intensified its strikes, reportedly hitting a major Russian refinery in the Nizhny Novgorod region. However, Russia claims its forces have “full strategic initiative” along the front line. Adding another layer of complexity, Ukrainian officials have released details alleging that North Korean forces are now being deployed to support Russian military efforts in the Sumy region, conducting aerial reconnaissance and adjusting fire for Russian multiple launch rocket systems.
Europe’s Defense Posture: Responding to Fuelled Fears
The war in Ukraine has profoundly impacted Europe’s defense strategy. The European Commission has unveiled major plans to fortify the continent’s defenses by 2030. These include a comprehensive counter-drone system, previously known as a “drone wall,” and “eastern flank watch,” aimed at strengthening the EU’s eastern borders across land, air, and sea. These initiatives reflect growing fears that Russia may target an EU member state in the coming years, a concern also amplified by Donald Trump’s calls for Europe to increase its own security contributions.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas underscored the urgency, stating, “Danger will not disappear even when the war in Ukraine ends. It is clear we need to toughen our defenses against Russia.” These proposals highlight a significant shift towards greater European self-reliance in defense, with initial capacities expected by the end of next year.
A Broader Geopolitical Chessboard: Trade and Regional Alliances
The Trump-Putin call also touched upon broader geopolitical and economic themes. Trump mentioned that they discussed the potential for increased trade between the US and Russia once the Ukraine war concludes, envisioning “amazing opportunities for economic cooperation.” This perspective aligns with Russia’s recent efforts to stabilize its fuel market, including reducing import duties on petroleum products to zero until mid-2026 and postponing scheduled oil refinery maintenance.
Regionally, Putin’s address at Russian Energy Week showcased Russia’s adapting energy strategy, pivoting from European markets to “more promising and reliable clients.” Concurrently, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s visit to Moscow signals ongoing discussions about regional alliances and the future of Russian military bases in Syria. These interlocking developments underscore the multifaceted nature of the current global political landscape, where the resolution of the Ukraine conflict remains a central, yet deeply complex, piece.
