EU Chief Criticises Possible Putin Visit to Hungary, Says ‘Not Nice’ for ICC Suspect to Enter Europe
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has described as “not nice” the prospect of Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting Hungary, an EU member state, for talks on Ukraine.
Her reaction came on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to meet Putin in Budapest to discuss potential peace efforts.
Speaking ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, Kallas said the United States’ attempts to broker peace were welcome, provided Ukraine’s interests were not sidelined. She noted that any negotiations should also include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Kallas emphasised that Washington’s influence could be critical in persuading Moscow to end the war, but expressed concern over Putin’s possible visit to an EU country despite an active International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against him.
“Regarding Budapest, no, it’s not nice to see that a person under an ICC arrest warrant might be received in a European country,” Kallas said, questioning what tangible outcome such a meeting could produce.
Hungary, which has maintained closer ties with Moscow than most EU states, is currently in the process of withdrawing from the ICC.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys also criticised the potential visit, saying Putin’s only place in Europe should be before the tribunal in The Hague, not in any European capital.
Meanwhile, Kallas confirmed that the EU’s 19th package of sanctions against Russia is expected to be adopted this week, although final approval would not be given on Monday.
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