Russia "Preparing U.S.-Russia Summit Seriously... Consultations Underway Through All Diplomatic Channels"

On October 20 (local time), Russia announced that it is preparing a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin "very thoroughly and seriously."

On the same day, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated this in an interview with TASS regarding the U.S.-Russia summit.

U.S. President Donald Trump (right) and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

Spokesperson Zakharova explained, "There was contact between President Putin and President Trump, and Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov provided specific information about it." She added, "Afterwards, the foreign ministers of Russia and Hungary held consultations to prepare for the summit." She further noted, "Currently, discussions are also taking place through diplomatic channels at all levels."

Previously, on October 16 (local time), President Trump announced after a phone call with President Putin that they had agreed to hold a summit in Budapest, Hungary, and that it would be held within two weeks.

Following this, on October 17, President Putin discussed preparations for the U.S.-Russia summit in a phone call with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and Prime Minister Orban instructed the formation of an organizing committee to prepare for the summit.