Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated he is prepared to join Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin at a potential summit in Hungary if invited.

Following a phone call between the US and Russian presidents, plans for a meeting in Budapest were announced, reportedly to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine. Zelensky expressed his willingness to engage in what he termed 'shuttle diplomacy', indicating possible formats for future talks if they transpire.

During a press briefing on Monday, Zelensky described his recent exchange with Trump as 'frank' but acknowledged significant disagreements. Notably, Trump’s response during their meeting was seen as pressure for Ukraine to consider Russian demands for a ceasefire.

Despite this tense backdrop, Zelensky made clear that his primary objective was to seek a just peace rather than a swift compromise. He expressed doubts about Hungary being a suitable venue for the meeting due to perceived pro-Kremlin sentiments from Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

While Trump commented on the potential for all three leaders to meet and hinted at separating discussions, Zelensky’s comments reflected the precarious nature of the diplomatic environment as Ukraine asserts it will not yield territory to the aggressor.

The meeting also surfaced reports suggesting that Trump had warned Zelensky of consequences should Ukraine fail to align with Russian expectations. Meanwhile, reactions to the dynamics of the meeting varied, with observers noting both acrimony and attempts at diplomatic engagement, underscoring the complexities inherent in navigating the ongoing conflict.

Overall, while Zelensky aims for an invitation to the Budapest talks, the recent developments highlight the intricate balance of securing support while grappling with the demands of both the US and Russia.