Overview

• The Budapest summit was arranged after a lengthy October 16 call both sides praised, with Hungary saying it will host and ensure security.
• According to Washington Post reporting cited by senior U.S. officials, Putin demanded Ukraine cede the Donetsk region to end the war, hinting at returning parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.
• At the White House, Trump pressed for an agreement and suggested both sides halt at current front lines, declining to approve immediate Tomahawk deliveries.
• Zelensky said Putin is not ready for peace, while Trump said he believes the Russian leader wants to end the war, even as he allowed that Moscow could be playing for time.
• Reporting says Trump envoy Steve Witkoff pressed Ukraine to concede Donetsk, the EU welcomed talks only if they advance a just peace, and pro‑Kremlin media celebrated the diplomatic turn.