Imagine a world where global leaders bend over backwards to make a controversial summit happen, potentially reshaping the fate of a war-torn nation—and that's exactly what's unfolding right now with a high-stakes meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. But here's where it gets really intriguing: It's all set to happen in Budapest, Hungary, despite Putin's international legal troubles. Let's dive into the details and unpack why this is sparking so much debate.
Picture this: U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin locking eyes and shaking hands at a press conference after talks aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025. (For context, this image captures a moment of historic negotiation, available via Reuters Connect for licensing.)
Key Highlights
- Hungary's Foreign Minister confirms Putin will be welcomed 'with respect'
- Prime Minister Orban reports that preparations 'are in full swing'
- Orban emphasizes the need to resolve outstanding matters before the summit
BUDAPEST, October 17 (Reuters) - In a bold move, Hungary has pledged to facilitate Russian President Vladimir Putin's safe entry into the country for a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Budapest, along with his secure return afterward, as announced by Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto during a press briefing on Friday.
Just the day before, Trump had signed on to a follow-up meeting focused on the ongoing Ukraine conflict, set to take place in Hungary's capital, with the possibility of it occurring within the next couple of weeks. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban had conversations with Trump on Thursday and with Putin on Friday, describing the arrangements as "proceeding at full speed."
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The selection of Budapest as the venue has certainly turned heads. To help beginners grasp this, Putin is currently subject to an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC), an independent tribunal that handles serious international crimes like war atrocities. Hungary, interestingly, is in the midst of withdrawing from the ICC, a process that could complicate things further. Russia, for its part, rejects these ICC claims outright, viewing the warrant as a sign of Western bias against them. And this is the part most people miss: It raises big questions about international accountability and how countries choose to engage with leaders facing such allegations.
PUTIN IS NOT SUBJECT TO AN EU TRAVEL RESTRICTION
The European Union has expressed support for the proposed gathering if it can contribute to achieving peace in Ukraine, according to a spokesperson's statement on Friday. They noted that while Putin faces financial sanctions (like asset freezes) from the EU, there's no direct ban on his travel within the bloc.
However, challenges remain in terms of logistics. Putin might have to contend with an EU-imposed restriction on flights by Russian aircraft, which was implemented by Brussels following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Ian Petchenik, a communications director at Flightradar24 (a service that tracks flights in real-time), explained that this could mean needing special permission at the EU or national level to allow such a flight.
"They'll probably have to sort out clearance for the flight, depending on the route they choose," Petchenik added. For instance, the quickest path into Hungary could involve flying over Poland and Slovakia, whereas a longer detour might take them from the Black Sea, entering the EU via Romania. This just goes to show how even transportation can become a diplomatic puzzle in geopolitics.
HUNGARY URGES EUROPE TO ESTABLISH DIRECT DIPLOMATIC LINKS
"We are committed to ensuring his arrival in Hungary, enabling fruitful discussions, and his safe departure afterward," Szijjarto stated at the press conference.
"No consultations with others are necessary—we stand as a sovereign nation. We intend to greet him courteously, accommodate him hospitably, and create an environment conducive to his talks with the American president."
Orban, who has long been a supporter of Trump and maintained strong connections with Russia, indicated that the summit might occur within the next fortnight, provided that U.S. and Russian foreign ministers can iron out pending details during their upcoming meeting next week.
Szijjarto mentioned that a specific date could be finalized following those discussions.
In an earlier radio interview, Orban framed the event as centered on "achieving peace," suggesting that any successful agreement could usher in a period of robust economic growth for Hungary and the broader European region.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is scheduled to visit the White House on Friday, where he'll advocate for increased military assistance, such as U.S.-manufactured long-range Tomahawk missiles, amid escalating hostilities in the war.
On Friday, Orban called on Europe to initiate its own diplomatic dialogues with Russia, once again criticizing the EU for what he perceives as an "anti-peace" position regarding Ukraine.
STRUGGLING RELATIONS WITH UKRAINE
The experienced Hungarian leader has frequently disagreed with fellow EU officials on the subject of Ukraine, often questioning the wisdom of providing military support to Kyiv.
Tensions between Ukraine and Hungary have been mounting. Just last month, Zelenskiy alleged that Hungarian drones had infringed on Ukrainian airspace, leading Orban to counter that Ukraine lacks true independence as a sovereign entity. This exchange highlights the deep divides in how countries view national boundaries and sovereignty.
Additionally, Hungary continues to depend on energy supplies from Russia, including gas and crude oil, even as the EU aims to eliminate such imports by 2028. Trump has also pushed the EU to cut ties with Russian energy sources entirely.
Reporting by Krisztina Than and Anita Komuves; Writing by Jason Hovet; Editing by Christopher Cushing, Gareth Jones, and Rod Nickel.
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Krisztina Than serves as Chief Correspondent in Hungary and deputy bureau chief for Central and Eastern Europe. She took charge of the Budapest bureau in 2008, during Hungary's severe financial turmoil. Her reporting has encompassed the 2015 refugee crisis, significant economic and political shifts in Hungary and the CEE area, currency instabilities, and central bank strategies. Beyond breaking news, she produces in-depth investigative pieces, analyses, and multimedia content. She earned a Master's in English and Russian literature from Budapest's Eotvos University, along with a Bachelor's in economics. In the 1990s, she studied in Moscow, the United States, and Scotland through various scholarships.
Now, isn't it fascinating how one country's stance can challenge global norms? Do you think hosting a leader under an ICC warrant undermines international justice, or is it a pragmatic step toward peace? What are your thoughts on Hungary's reliance on Russian energy in the face of EU pressures? Share your opinions in the comments—do you agree with Orban's call for more diplomatic channels, or do you see it as risky appeasement? Let's discuss!
