Hungary promises to "welcome Putin with respect" despite ICC arrest warrant

Hungary has made it clear that Russian leader Vladimir Putin need not fear arrest under an International Criminal Court warrant when he arrives in Budapest for a summit with US President Donald Trump.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said that the date and details of the meeting between Trump and Putin will be announced after all preparatory talks between officials from the three countries have taken place.

"Of course, here in Hungary, in Budapest, we are ready to provide the necessary conditions for the American and Russian presidents to hold talks in a safe and peaceful environment. This is the safest country in Europe. It is one of the safest countries in the world, so if there is a place where talks can be held in safe conditions, it is here," Szijjártó emphasised.

Meanwhile, he made it clear that Putin would be able to enter Hungary without any problems and then return home.

"We respectfully await President Putin, of course. We will ensure that he can enter Hungary, hold successful talks here, and then return home. No agreements with anyone are needed," the Hungarian minister said. [N.B. European Pravda doesn't recognise Putin as president – ed.]

"We are a sovereign country. We will respectfully welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin, receive him as a guest and provide conditions for his negotiations with the American president," he added.

In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin, finding him guilty of the illegal deportation of thousands of children from Ukraine. The issuance of the warrant means that Putin could be arrested if he travels to any ICC member country.

In early April 2025, Hungary announced its intention to withdraw from the ICC during a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for whom the court had also issued an arrest warrant.

In response, the ICC's governing body said Hungary's decision to withdraw from the Court was "concerning". In May, the Hungarian Parliament voted to withdraw from the ICC.

Hungary's withdrawal from the ICC will take effect one year after notification to the UN Secretary-General. Hungary sent such a notification on 2 June 2025.

Until then, Hungary remains bound by its obligations to the ICC, including the execution of arrest warrants.