EU Foreign Affairs Representative Kaja Kallas said on Monday that it would be “inappropriate” for Russian President Vladimir Putin to travel to EU member state Hungary for talks on Ukraine. She pointed out that there is an international arrest warrant out for Putin for his actions in Ukraine.
With regard to the announced summit in Budapest between US President Donald Trump and Putin, she said: “The question remains whether anything will come of it at all.”
Before the meeting of European foreign ministers in Luxembourg, Kallas told journalists that Trump's efforts to achieve peace were welcome, but that it was equally important for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to meet with the Russian leader.
“America has great power to put pressure on Russia to come to the negotiating table. If they use that and Russia ends this war, that is of course a good thing,” Kallas said.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said there was no place for Putin in any European capital.
Kallas also said she expects the 19th package of sanctions against Russia to be adopted this week – but not on Monday.
(reuters, est)