Leavitt confirmed Putin agreed to begin “the next stage” of the peace process by meeting Zelenskiy. She said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President J.D. Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff will coordinate with Ukraine and Russia to arrange the talks as soon as possible. A trilateral summit including Trump could follow a bilateral meeting, she added.
Possible locations are under discussion, and the administration is working to make the meeting happen, Leavitt said.
She declined to say whether Moscow was proposed, and did not confirm Budapest reports, promising details “when possible.”
On security guarantees, Leavitt said U.S. troops will not be stationed on Ukrainian territory. The United States could help with coordination and other measures.
Asked whether Russia would accept NATO forces in Ukraine, she said Trump is discussing the issue with leaders of Russia and Ukraine.
Leavitt said a framework of security guarantees acceptable to both sides is being developed to support a lasting peace. She noted progress by both Russia and Ukraine and cited Trump’s view that a “good” agreement leaves both parties “a little unhappy.”
Separately, Politico reported the White House sees Budapest as the venue for potential three-way talks among Trump, Zelenskiy and Putin, citing two sources.
While multiple sites are being considered, Budapest is the “first choice” for U.S. intelligence services, the report said.
Geneva is also in play, favored by French President Emmanuel Macron for Switzerland’s neutrality.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is among Trump’s closest European allies and the EU and NATO leader most closely aligned with Russia.
Budapest has repeatedly said it would not arrest International Criminal Court-wanted figures, such as Putin and Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, if they enter Hungary.
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Source: PAP, IAR