A flurry of diplomatic activity surrounds the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Former President Donald Trump has announced he will sign a minerals agreement with Ukrainian President Zelensky this Friday in Washington. Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is urging the European Union to initiate peace talks with Moscow.
Trump and Zelensky to Finalize Minerals Deal
According to sources, the Ukrainian president is expected in Washington to finalize the agreement with Trump. Details of the minerals agreement have not been publicly released, but it is understood to be a significant deal for both countries.
This news comes after reports surfaced about a tense meeting between Trump and Zelensky. Reportedly, a nearly hour-long meeting with journalists became very tense in the final ten minutes, potentially impacting negotiations. It's unclear if this tension has any bearing on the upcoming signing.
Orbán Calls for EU Peace Talks with Moscow
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is actively pushing for the EU to engage in peace negotiations with Moscow concerning the conflict in Ukraine. Orbán has reportedly told EU Council president Costa that he will oppose any bloc-wide agreement that doesn't prioritize peace talks. This stance puts him at odds with many other European leaders who favor continued sanctions and military support for Ukraine.
Orbán's call for peace talks comes as Kremlin propagandists are reportedly now in favor of a ceasefire in Ukraine. A government-produced video, widely circulated on Russian Telegram channels, justifies a halt to the fighting with Kiev. This shift in rhetoric from Russian state media could indicate a change in strategy from Moscow.
The Shifting Sands of Diplomacy
The situation remains fluid, with multiple actors advocating for different approaches to the Ukraine conflict. Whether Trump's minerals deal, Orbán's call for peace, or the Kremlin's apparent shift towards a ceasefire will have a significant impact remains to be seen. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the future of the conflict.
The international community continues to watch closely as these developments unfold.
"Peace is always the best option," Orbán stated in a recent press conference.