Tusk Opposes Zelensky-Putin Talks in Budapest: Historical Reminder and Political Signals
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk sharply voiced his opposition to holding direct diplomatic talks between Ukrainian and Russian presidents in Budapest, the Hungarian capital.
On his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he recalled the historical example—the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, signed in that city, which guaranteed Ukraine’s territorial integrity in exchange for its nuclear disarmament.
Tusk emphasized that 31 years ago, world leaders promised Ukraine protection and border sovereignty, yet decades later, conflict and war persist.
At the same time, Tusk expressed concerns that current negotiations might repeat a historical mistake: ‘Perhaps I am superstitious, but this time I would look for another location,’ he stated, hinting at potential risks for Ukraine.
Despite these calls, media reports indicate that a meeting between Zelensky and Putin could occur within the next two weeks in Hungary.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron also proposed that the summit could be held in Geneva.
Switzerland has confirmed its readiness to grant immunity to Putin from criminal prosecution should he agree to meet Zelensky there, while reports suggest that Kremlin officials had proposed a meeting in Moscow, which was quickly dismissed due to diplomatic and political reasons.