Brussels (ANSA) – A new summit between Trump and Putin is scheduled to take place in Budapest in the coming weeks, aimed at “concluding this unglorious war.” The announcement came after a surprise phone call between the American president and the Russian leader, prior to Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump described the conversation as “productive” and noted “great progress” with Putin.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed great satisfaction with the announcement, calling it “fantastic news for those who seek peace.” He stated, “We are prepared.” President Ursula Von der Leyen also welcomed any efforts toward lasting peace in Ukraine. Olof Gill, a spokesperson for the Commission, remarked, “Any meeting that advances a fair and sustainable peace process for Ukraine is welcomed. If the meeting occurs and is constructive, it is a positive development.”
In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin. Prime Minister Orban previously announced Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC during a visit with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Consequently, Putin’s plane cannot transit over countries that are part of the Hague Court and have not dismissed the arrest warrant.
Both the Russian president and Foreign Minister Sergej Lavrov have been on a blacklist since the invasion of Ukraine, though there are no restrictions on entering the EU. The announcement of a follow-up summit in Budapest follows ongoing efforts in Brussels to utilize frozen Russian assets for the Repair Loan to Kiev, amid vetoes from Budapest and Bratislava against the nineteenth sanctions package, which was proposed on October 16.
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