In a significant diplomatic move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly called for former U.S. President Donald Trump to leverage his influence with the Kremlin, while also accepting a proposal from the Hungarian prime minister for a direct peace summit with Russia.

The statements came during a press conference in Kyiv on Sunday, where President Zelenskyy addressed the dual tracks of diplomacy and military support essential for Ukraine's survival.

A Message for Trump: "More Pressure" Needed

With the U.S. presidential election looming, Zelenskyy directly addressed the candidate who has frequently claimed he could end the war within 24 hours. While not endorsing Trump's plan, which remains undisclosed, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for decisive action.

"President Trump needs to apply more pressure with Putin. That is what is needed," Zelenskyy stated. "If the plan is to apply pressure, to conduct a diplomatic dialogue with the involvement of many countries, and to put an end to the war, that can only be a positive thing."

This comment marks a strategic shift, as Zelenskyy has previously expressed skepticism about Trump's claims. By framing the solution as "pressure," Zelenskyy is aligning his own long-standing position—that any negotiation must be from a position of strength—with the potential foreign policy approach of a future Trump administration.

Budapest Summit: A High-Stakes Gambit

In a separate but related development, Zelenskyy confirmed he has agreed to a proposal from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to hold a bilateral peace summit in Budapest. Orbán, who has maintained closer ties to Moscow than other EU leaders and recently visited both Kyiv and Moscow, has positioned himself as a potential mediator.

"I received such a proposal from the Hungarian side, and I gave my agreement," Zelenskyy said. "We are preparing the details. The meeting could be about how to achieve a just peace for Ukraine."

The agreement to meet in Budapest is a calculated risk for Kyiv. While it opens a new channel for dialogue, it also elevates Orbán's profile as a peacemaker, despite his past criticisms of EU sanctions on Russia. Analysts suggest Zelenskyy is willing to explore all avenues, but will approach any talks with the firm condition that Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty are non-negotiable.

A Multi-Front Diplomatic Offensive

These developments underscore Ukraine's intensifying diplomatic efforts as the conflict grinds on. With military aid from key allies experiencing delays and political hurdles, securing a sustainable path to peace has become as crucial as securing shells for the front lines.

Zelenskyy's simultaneous appeal to Trump and acceptance of Orbán's summit proposal demonstrates a pragmatic strategy to engage with all potential mediators, regardless of their political alignment, in the pursuit of a lasting end to the war.

The world will now be watching closely as details for the Budapest summit emerge and as the U.S. election campaign, which will heavily influence the future of Western support for Ukraine, continues to unfold.

Check back with our blog for continuing coverage on the war in Ukraine and its global implications.