European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas criticised the prospect of Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting Hungary, saying it would be “not nice” for an EU member state to host a leader wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Putin faces an ICC arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, while Hungary is in the process of leaving the court.
The remarks come after U.S. President Donald Trump said he planned to meet Putin soon in Budapest, raising eyebrows among European diplomats already wary of Hungary’s close ties with Moscow.
Why It Matters
A potential Putin visit would test EU unity and undermine Western sanctions against Russia.
It would also put Hungary at odds with fellow EU states, particularly those like Lithuania and Estonia that have taken a hardline stance against Moscow’s actions in Ukraine.
Kallas welcomed U.S. peace efforts but stressed that any negotiations must include Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, warning against sidelining Kyiv.
Kaja Kallas (EU foreign policy chief):
“No, it’s not nice to see that a person under ICC arrest warrant is coming to a European country.”
Kestutis Budrys (Lithuanian Foreign Minister):
“The only place for Putin in Europe is The Hague, in front of the tribunal, not in any of our capitals.”
Donald Trump:
Said he would meet Putin in Budapest “soon” to discuss peace in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, EU ministers met in Luxembourg to discuss the 19th package of sanctions against Russia, which Kallas said should be adopted later this week.
What’s Next
The planned Budapest meeting could strain EU-U.S. coordination on the Ukraine war and fuel debate over how to engage Moscow diplomatically.
The EU’s next move on sanctions will signal whether Brussels plans to tighten or recalibrate its approach amid growing global pressure for peace talks.
With information from Reuters.
