Unaffected By ICC Letter, Hungary Ensures Putin Can Enter His Country To Meet Trump

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in Alaska/DOK PHOTO via Instagram @russian_kremlin

JAKARTA Hungary will ensure Russian President Vladimir Putin can enter the country to attend a meeting with US President Donald Trump planned in Budapest.

Trump on Thursday approved a second meeting on the war in Ukraine to be held in the Hungarian capital, saying the meeting may take place in the next two weeks.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban spoke with Trump on Thursday and also with Putin on Friday, October 17, saying preparations were "going smoothly".

Budapest's choice has attracted attention.

Putin faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is in the process of leaving Hungary.

Moscow has denied allegations by the ICC, while calling the warrant proof of Western hostilities against Russia.

"We will ensure that he enters Hungary, conducts successful negotiations here, and then returns to his homeland," said Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto.

"There is no need for consultation with anyone, we are a sovereign country here. We will accept (Putin) with respect, host him, and provide conditions for him to negotiate with the president of America," he continued.

Orban, Trump's longtime ally who is also in close contact with Russia, said the meeting could take place in the next two weeks if US and Russian foreign ministers manage to resolve the remaining issues at a planned meeting next week.

Szijjarto said the date of the meeting could be discussed after the meeting.

Orban, who previously spoke on state radio, said the meeting "will discuss peace" and if there is a peace agreement, it will lead to a new phase of economic development in Hungary and Europe.

Orban said Europe should open its own diplomatic path towards Russia. He also again accused the European Union of taking what he called a "pro-war attitude" against Ukraine.