Overview
- Viktor Orbán announced Budapest as the planned venue and his foreign minister pledged to ensure Vladimir Putin can enter, hold talks, and leave safely.
- The International Criminal Court reiterated that Hungary has a legal duty to arrest Putin on arrival, noting Hungary’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute takes effect only in June 2026 and does not affect ongoing cases.
- The European Commission said EU sanctions focus on asset freezes rather than a blanket travel ban, adding there are no travel prohibitions per se if the meeting takes place.
- Russian state aircraft face EU overflight restrictions, with scenarios discussed that include a diplomatic-status flight via Turkey and EU airspace or a detour through non‑EU Balkan corridors.
- The Kremlin acknowledged the travel logistics remain unclear, the Commission welcomed any meeting that advances a just peace in Ukraine, and analysts noted Budapest previously hosted Benjamin Netanyahu despite an outstanding warrant.