UWC raises concern over planned Trump-Putin meeting in Budapest

October 20, 2025

The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) welcomes efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the Russian Federation’s illegal war against Ukraine and restore international peace and security. We consistently support constructive initiatives aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace grounded in the principles of international law.

However, the UWC is deeply troubled by reports of a planned meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest. Dialogue is essential in diplomacy, but it must not become a stage for rehabilitating war criminals or sidestepping justice. As UWC President Paul Grod stated, “Peace without accountability is not peace, it’s surrender dressed up as diplomacy.”

Any negotiations involving Putin must be subject to clear, enforceable preconditions rooted in international law, justice, and accountability. Russia’s war against Ukraine is not only a brutal assault on the Ukrainian people, it is a direct challenge to the global system of international law and security. The outcome of this war will determine whether the rule of law continues to protect freedom and human rights, or whether the world reverts to the rule of force.

UWC’s Key Positions:

• Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable. All internationally recognized borders, including Crimea and the occupied territories of Donbas,must be fully restored.
• The location of talks does not change the nature of the aggression. Putin’s attempt to use EU territory to rehabilitate his image and avoid responsibility must be firmly rejected.
• The EU must take a clear stance. Any ambiguity risks legitimizing a war criminal responsible for mass killings, deportations, torture, and destruction in Ukraine.
• The return of deported Ukrainian children must be immediate and unconditional. This humanitarian issue cannot be delayed or diluted by vague promises.
• A full ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian troops must precede any negotiations. Talks cannot occur under active bombardment or be used as a tactical pause for regrouping.
• Ukraine must be a full and equal participant in any peace process. No decisions about Ukraine should be made without Ukraine – no exceptions, no backroom deals.

The UWC reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom, democracy, and sovereignty. We call on the international community to act decisively and refuse to let the aggressor dictate the terms of peace.

A just peace is only possible when Russia is held accountable for its crimes, pays reparations for the damage inflicted, and Ukraine regains full control over its entire internationally recognized territory.