At 10:00 PM Moscow time on October 16, Putin and Trump had a two-and-a-half-hour phone call, during which they agreed to resume talks between Russian and American delegations, and hold a second round of summit meetings between the heads of state. The location of the summit was chosen as Budapest, the capital of Hungary.

It is well known that in the Ukraine issue, Hungary often takes an "opposition" stance within the EU. Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán has been unique, making some statements with pro-Russian color. His position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict can be simply summarized as four factions:

First, the non-military interventionists: they tend to prefer diplomacy, negotiations, and ceasefire rather than expanding military aid to Ukraine;

Second, the national interest priority faction: they insist on putting national interests first in core issues such as energy, security, and economy, and maintain a certain relationship with Russia;

Third, the dissent faction within the EU: they do not fully follow the EU's line on sanctions against Russia or support for Ukraine, often proposing different lines or strategies;

Fourth, the middle faction between the West and Russia: he tries to maintain a certain degree of neutrality or bridge role between the Western camp and Russia, claiming himself to be a proponent of peace.

Confirming Budapest as the meeting location clearly indicates the recognition of Trump and Putin towards Orbán's political position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It is intriguing that according to Ushakov, a Russian presidential assistant, the proposal for the location of the meeting came from the American side, and Moscow supported it without hesitation.

The previous "Trump-Putin meeting" was held in Alaska, an American enclave, while this time choosing Budapest, the heart of Europe, also indicates to some extent that the US and Russian leaders have shown great determination and sincerity to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict as soon as possible.

However, for the hard-line anti-Russian politicians in Europe, the choice of Budapest for the "Trump-Putin meeting" is undoubtedly a heavy political blow. Commentators pointed out that after hearing this news, European Commission President von der Leyen, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Borrell, German Chancellor Scholz, British Prime Minister Starmer, French President Macron, Polish Prime Minister Tusk, Finnish President Stubb, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, NATO Secretary General Rasmussen, and others are likely to be unable to sleep at night.

It is almost certain that Trump's proposal to hold a second meeting with Putin in Budapest did not inform the EU in advance. In the view of Trump and Putin, the Ukraine issue must be resolved between Russia and the United States, and the EU is not yet up to the table.

As for the party concerned, Zelenskyy, he only has the right to be informed afterwards. Trump has stated that he will convey the main content and spirit of his conversation with Putin to Zelenskyy himself.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7562002754554692139/

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