play_arrow

keyboard_arrow_right

Listeners:

Top listeners:

skip_previous skip_next
00:00 00:00
playlist_play chevron_left
volume_up
  • cover play_arrow

Hungary Confirms Trump-Putin Summit In Budapest (Worthy News Radio)

Background

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced Friday that he had already discussed details of the planned U.S.–Russia summit in Budapest with U.S. President Donald Trump, adding that he would also speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the meeting.

Orbán said he had talked with President Trump late Thursday and noted that, in his words, “we also spoke with the Russians. And as for President Putin, I will speak with him this morning, before noon.”

He later confirmed that his telephone conversation with Putin had taken place and described preparations for the summit as “going full steam ahead.”

The announcement came after a two-hour phone call between Trump and Putin, which the White House described as “productive.” Trump said the two leaders discussed restoring U.S.–Russia trade relations once the war in Ukraine comes to an end.

According to Trump, both sides agreed to hold a preparatory meeting next week between senior diplomats from Washington and Moscow. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will represent the United States, while Russia’s delegation has not yet been announced.

HUNGARY’S MEDIATING ROLE 

The Budapest summit between Trump and Putin is expected to follow soon after that diplomatic session.

Orbán — who has maintained close relations with both Trump and Putin — has repeatedly said that Hungary stands ready to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Last year, during Hungary’s rotating presidency of the European Union, he visited Moscow, Kyiv, and Beijing, moves that drew sharp criticism from EU leaders, who accused him of undermining the bloc’s unity on Ukraine.

The nationalist prime minister also opposes sending weapons to Kyiv, arguing that it would only prolong a war that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 and has killed or injured more than a million people.

Trump has praised Orbán publicly, including during the recent Gaza peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where he described the Hungarian leader as “a great person and a fantastic leader.”

EAST-WEST BRIDGE

“We have Hungary. Where is Viktor? We love Viktor! He is a great leader. I endorsed him the last election, and he won by 28 points. You’re going to do even better this time — we’ll be behind you a hundred percent,” Trump said.

Hungarian officials say Budapest aims to serve as a bridge between East and West, a stance that could soon place the city at the center of major global diplomacy.

Orbán has pledged to facilitate Putin’s entry and exit for the summit, despite an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for the Russian leader’s arrest.

Hungary is currently moving to withdraw from the ICC, clearing the way for the meeting to proceed — a decision that continues to draw sharp international scrutiny.

Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.


Latest News from Worthy News

Republicans Defend, Democrats Vilify GOP Voter ID Bill
Republicans Defend, Democrats Vilify GOP Voter ID Bill
Thursday, March 19, 2026

As a marathon debate over the SAVE America Act continues in the U.S. Senate, Republicans and Democrats are sparring over whether the voter ID bill would strengthen election security or discourage potential voters.

Netanyahu: Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Capabilities ‘Neutralized’ as U.S.-Israel Campaign Intensifies
Netanyahu: Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Capabilities ‘Neutralized’ as U.S.-Israel Campaign Intensifies
Thursday, March 19, 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Thursday that Iran has lost its ability to enrich uranium and manufacture ballistic missiles following nearly three weeks of coordinated U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing regional conflict.

Israel Strikes Iranian Navy in Caspian Sea, Expands “Operation Roaring Lion”
Israel Strikes Iranian Navy in Caspian Sea, Expands “Operation Roaring Lion”
Thursday, March 19, 2026

Israel dramatically expanded its military campaign against Iran, striking Iranian Navy targets in the Caspian Sea for the first time since the launch of “Operation Roaring Lion,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed Thursday.

FBI Revealed Former Counterterrorism Chief Joe Kent Was Under Active Investigation Prior to Resignation
FBI Revealed Former Counterterrorism Chief Joe Kent Was Under Active Investigation Prior to Resignation
Thursday, March 19, 2026

The FBI has been investigating former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent for several months over allegations that he improperly shared classified information, according to multiple reports.

U.S. Launches Largest Strike Yet on Iran as Conflict Intensifies
U.S. Launches Largest Strike Yet on Iran as Conflict Intensifies
Thursday, March 19, 2026

The United States carried out its most extensive wave of strikes against Iran to date on Thursday, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Saudi Arabia Signals Possible Military Response After Iranian Strike on Oil Facility
Saudi Arabia Signals Possible Military Response After Iranian Strike on Oil Facility
Thursday, March 19, 2026

Saudi Arabia warned Thursday that it may take military action following an Iranian drone strike on a key oil installation, escalating tensions across the Middle East and raising concerns over regional stability and global energy supplies.

Federal Judge Blocks Arkansas Ten Commandments Law, State Vows Appeal
Federal Judge Blocks Arkansas Ten Commandments Law, State Vows Appeal
Thursday, March 19, 2026

A federal judge has struck down an Arkansas law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, igniting a renewed national debate over faith, history, and the First Amendment.

WHO WE ARE

The Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs encapsulate the beauty, wisdom, and eternal truths found in the Bible, creating an immersive experience that resonates with believers and seekers alike.

CONTACT