Budapest is another stab at getting Putin to negotiate seriously with Ukraine, German foreign minister says

Budapest is another stab at getting Putin to negotiate seriously with Ukraine, German foreign minister says
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul shakes hands with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan during a joint press conference in Ankara, Oct. 17, 2025. (Reuters)
Updated 18 October 2025
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Budapest is another stab at getting Putin to negotiate seriously with Ukraine, German foreign minister says

Budapest is another stab at getting Putin to negotiate seriously with Ukraine, German foreign minister says

“Ukraine will insist on this, and it will have the full support of Germany in doing so,” Wadephul said
Turkiye had also held separate meetings with Moscow and Kyiv before getting the sides together

ANKARA: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the planned Budapest talks between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin were a second attempt to make the Russian president recognize the need to negotiate seriously with Ukraine.
“I see the talks in Budapest as a second attempt, after the talks in Alaska, to convince Putin at last to negotiate seriously with Ukraine,” he told reporters during a trip to Turkiye.
“Ukraine will insist on this, and it will have the full support of Germany in doing so,” he added.
Speaking alongside Wadephul, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said he did not view the meeting in Budapest as one that excludes Ukraine, adding Turkiye had also held separate meetings with Moscow and Kyiv before getting the sides together for three rounds of talks in Istanbul.
“I don’t think him meeting with Mr. Putin here means taking a decision in Ukraine’s absence, the United States does not have a mediator approach in that sense here, they are talking to both sides separately,” Fidan said.
“Now, he is meeting Mr. Zelensky first and he will get the latest data from him. Then, he will meet with Mr. Putin and we think he will have a picture emerging then,” he said.


Where We Are Going Today: Pick — Kuwaiti cafe in Riyadh

Where We Are Going Today: Pick — Kuwaiti cafe in Riyadh
Updated 2 min 34 sec ago
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Where We Are Going Today: Pick — Kuwaiti cafe in Riyadh

Where We Are Going Today: Pick — Kuwaiti cafe in Riyadh

A Kuwaiti cafe that arrived in Riyadh in 2020, Pick is a popular grab-and-go spot offering fresh, tasty, and healthy snacks and meals.

Their sandwiches and hot platters are perfect for lunch or dinner, with calorie, fat, carb, and protein info for easy choices.

My favorite is the turkey veggie with its simple ingredients like reduced-fat cheddar, tomato, lettuce, Dijon mustard, and a few drops of Tabasco.

Other options include chicken rocca, chicken spinach, the club, egg sandwich with high-protein bread, tandoori wrap, tuna pesto, pepperoni pizza wrap, chicken fajita wrap, and more.

Hot platters range from chicken tawook and butter chicken to lamb machboos, shrimp red curry, galbi jim, chicken katsu, green chicken curry, and pasta options.

Salads come in small side pots or larger meal bowls, all fresh and balanced. The quinoa Greek salad pot is a standout.

Their acai bowls — classic, peanut, passion fruit, or build-your-own — are also appealing.

Pick also offers bakery items, frozen yogurt, and healthy cheesecakes. The fro-yo toppings were good, though I’d have preferred the yogurt a bit tangier.

The cafe has a relaxed, airy vibe, ideal for meals or light work. One tip: Skip the matcha unless you like it more milky than grassy.

Overall, Pick is a solid choice for complete meals and healthy desserts. Check their Instagram @pick_saudi for more options.