Putin can only enter the EU with special permission – in Hungary, he found open doors

The invitation to meet with US President Donald Trump in Budapest raises the question of whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is even allowed to enter the European Union. According to Euronews, both EU sanctions and an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague stand in the way of his trip.

The European Union imposed sanctions on Putin after the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. These sanctions froze his assets but did not include a travel ban in order to maintain diplomatic contacts. However, the closure of European airspace to Russian aircraft remains problematic. Exceptions can only be granted by individual member states and usually only for humanitarian or diplomatic reasons.

In addition to the sanctions, Putin also faces a valid arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, which accuses him of the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. Hungary, which will not leave the ICC structures until next year, is still obliged to respect the decisions of the Hague tribunal.

Nevertheless, Budapest has indicated that it will allow the Russian president safe entry.

(sie)