Hungary has confirmed that it will ensure safe passage for Russian President Vladimir Putin for the upcoming summit with Donald Trump planned in Budapest, Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Friday.
“We look forward to welcoming President Vladimir Putin with respect, and we will of course ensure that he can enter Hungary, hold successful talks here, and then return home,” Szijjarto told a press conference.
Trump announced a planned meeting with President Putin after a “positive” phone call on Thursday, saying it would take place in the coming weeks. The exact time and logistics of the visit remains unclear, with the Kremlin saying earlier that “many” questions need to be solved before the summit. Hungary’s Prime Ministe Victor Orbán said on Facebook that he had a call with Putin, adding, “preparations are in full swing.” He described Budapest “essentially the only place in Europe where such a meeting can be held” because of Hungary’s “consistent stance for peace.” Furthermore, he ensured that Vladimir Putin will have safe travel in Hungary.
Putin’s visit to a European capital has caused discontent among the international community as the Russian leader is wanted by the International Criminal Court, ICC over war crimes that include abduction of children in Ukraine during Russia’s invasion. Although Hungary is the member of the ICC, Budapest is expected to withdraw from it next year. The ICC has no enforcement mechanism and relies on member states to take action. Hungary has described ICC as a "political court" and earlier this year hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against whom the ICC also has issued an arrest warrant due to the hostilities in Gaza strip. This trip to Budapest would mark Putin’s first European visit since the launch of full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Hungary has maintained warm ties with Russia in recent years, especially with regards to cooperation in energy sector. Hungary, along with Slovakia continue to purchase Russian gas despite Western sanctions imposed on Russian oil and gas products. Hungary has relatives supported Moscow’s position over the war in Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister is Putin’s closes allies within the European Union has repeatedly voted against provision of military support to Ukraine.
