Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Donald Trump to take a tougher stance against Vladimir Putin, stating that he is ready to participate in the summit that will take place in Budapest.

In an interview with NBC News, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, called for a firmer stance from American President Donald Trump towards Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Zelensky emphasized the need for pressure on Russia, comparing the situation to that of Hamas, and stated that he is ready to participate in the scheduled Russian-American summit in Budapest. Although Trump had previously suggested the possibility of delivering Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, Zelensky returned from the U.S. without these essential weapons. He stressed that any peace agreement must involve Ukraine, rhetorically questioning how there can be agreements about his country without its participation. His statements reflect the tensions between Kiev and Washington, in the context of Trump seeking to position himself as a mediator.