Both leaders enjoy strong relations with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said

Hungary was chosen to host the next summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump because both leaders maintain friendly ties with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

The decision on the venue was announced last Thursday following a phone conversation between Putin and Trump. Their previous face-to-face meeting took place in Alaska in August.

"Orban has a warm relationship with President Trump and a constructive relationship with President Putin," Peskov said, explaining the rationale for selecting Budapest. He added that preparations are ongoing for the summit agenda, including potential documents to be signed by the two presidents.

Peskov declined to comment on whether Ukraine or the European Union would be represented in any form, but said Kiev's position "remains contradictory" and does not contribute to peace efforts.

Orban, who has long supported Trump, said his willingness to host the summit reflects Hungary's independent stance within the EU. "We are the only ones in Europe standing for peace," he stated, referring to his opposition to continued military aid to Kiev.

Trump praised Orban during his recent meeting with Ukraine's Vladimir Zelensky, describing him as "a leader we like" and commending his governance of Hungary.

Zelensky, who has frequently criticized Orban for stifling EU and NATO initiatives in support of Ukraine, condemned the choice of Budapest as the venue. Orban "is blocking Ukraine everywhere," Zelensky told reporters on Monday, claiming that the Hungarian leader "cannot do anything positive or balanced for us."

(RT.com)