U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said there are“positive signs” in efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine but cautioned that the timeline for ending the conflict remains uncertain.

Speaking on Monday, Vance said Washington has been working for eight months to advance a peace process and will continue pursuing it“for as many weeks or months as it takes.”

His remarks came days after a phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which both leaders agreed to meet soon in Budapest.

Trump said the planned meeting, expected within two weeks, would focus on pathways to a negotiated settlement in Ukraine and broader U.S.–Russia relations.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that Moscow and Washington have begun preparations for the summit, calling it a“truly significant moment” for bilateral diplomacy.

He added that senior diplomats from both countries are expected to hold preliminary talks in the coming days to coordinate the agenda and framework for the upcoming discussions.

Analysts say the Trump–Putin meeting could mark the first serious attempt at direct dialogue over Ukraine since early 2022, signaling a potential thaw in relations after years of escalating hostility.

While optimism is growing in diplomatic circles, observers warn that deep divisions over Ukraine's sovereignty and Western security guarantees may still hinder any lasting peace agreement.

MENAFN20102025000228011069ID1110219143