EU calls Putin's possible visit to Hungary an “unpleasant signal”

EU is critical of Putin's possible visit to Hungary

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaya Kallas, said that the upcoming trip of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Hungary is «ugly» in the context of law and diplomacy.
According to her, this issue is questionable because Putin is under an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) and should not enjoy the privileges of visiting European capitals.

«No, it's not nice... to see a person who is subject to an ICC warrant come to a European country,» Kallas said before a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg. Reuters

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Context: meeting with Trump in Budapest

Putin reportedly intends to meet with US President Donald Trump in Budapest, which is causing discussions among European leaders due to the segmentation of relations with Ukraine. Kallas stressed that Ukraine should be involved in such negotiations, not just the aggressor.

Reactions of countries and implications for the EU

Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kestutis Budris said that Putin should not appear in any European capital except The Hague - when he arrives as part of the trial.

Experts note that such a visit could be a symbolic blow to the unity of the EU and NATO, especially given that Hungary is a member of both organisations, but at the same time is showing more and more independence in its policy towards Russia.