Putin's Controversial Visit to Hungary Sparks EU Concerns

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed concerns over potential Russian President Putin's visit to Hungary, emphasizing the significance of Ukrainian peace talks. Despite U.S. President Trump's attempts to mediate, controversy surrounds Putin's presence due to his ICC arrest warrant, with EU officials urging his trial in The Hague.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas voiced apprehensions on Monday about the possibility of Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting Hungary for talks on Ukraine. The visit, which was acknowledged by U.S. President Donald Trump for potential diplomatic progress, remains controversial due to Putin's ICC arrest warrant.

Kallas highlighted the importance of dialogue between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Putin, noting America's leverage over Russia. She remarked that while Trump's peace efforts are positive, the optics of Putin, a person with an ICC warrant, in an EU country are problematic.

In Luxembourg, ahead of a meeting of European foreign ministers, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys echoed Kallas's concerns, insisting that Putin's rightful place should be The Hague, not a European capital. Discussions at the meeting are expected to lead to the 19th sanctions package against Russia, albeit not finalized on Monday.

(With inputs from agencies.)