Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has declared that his country is “ready” to host the meeting and that the necessary measures are being taken to ensure the entry and protection of the Russian president, despite the fact that an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant remains outstanding against Vladimir Putin.
Following a telephone conversation, Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin agreed to hold a new summit on the Ukraine crisis in Budapest within the coming weeks, according to the Kremlin and confirmed by international news agencies.
Orbán stated that Hungary is “ready” to host the meeting and that “necessary security and legal preparations are underway” to allow Putin to attend — despite the ICC warrant.
Reports suggest that Hungary intends to secure legal and diplomatic guarantees to ensure that Putin can travel without risk of arrest.
Europe’s humiliation
The choice of Budapest has sparked strong reactions across Europe and in the media, which have described it as a “unilateral move” or even a “humiliation” for European diplomacy, since EU institutions and heads of state are not directly involved in the process.
Criticism has also focused on the political risks of hosting a leader facing international charges.
Beyond political issues, serious technical and security questions are being raised over how the flight routes of the presidents will be arranged and what kind of escort aircraft will protect them — especially given the sensitivity of the event and the risks posed by drones, MANPADS, or other missiles.
Three potential routes are reportedly under consideration:
Northern route (via Belarus/Poland — high risk due to NATO airspace)
Southern route (via Turkey and the Balkans — considered safer)
Extended southern route (crossing the Caspian Sea and Azerbaijan).
The Russian presidential aircraft Il-96-300PU — the platform often used to transport Putin — is considered highly protected, equipped with multiple defense layers such as MAWS, infrared countermeasure systems (DIRCM), flares, electronic warfare capabilities, and reinforced armor.
It is usually accompanied by support aircraft (Il-22PP, Tu-214SR) and fighter escorts.
The issue of which nations’ aircraft will provide escort and protection is now being actively discussed in diplomatic and military circles.
The U.S. role in the "escort"
It is also noted that during previous movements of Russian leaders, there have been instances where U.S. F-22 or F-35 fighters appeared as escorts or reconnaissance aircraft in border airspace, highlighting the extreme sensitivity of such flights and the need for coordination among involved air forces.
The presence of such escorts, however, also carries diplomatic implications; an attack on an aircraft carrying heads of state would be considered an act of extraordinary aggression.
From a diplomatic perspective, the Budapest summit stands in direct contrast to Ukraine’s efforts to secure additional defense support (including long-range weapons) — and is already causing reshuffling in the schedules of top leaders and negotiations.
Trump, in fact, announced the summit just hours before his scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington, a move that heightened tension and criticism.
The preparations for the summit will require agreements covering:
a) Legal framework – including Hungary’s stance on the ICC mandate;
b) Technical and air coordination – routes, air corridors, and escort arrangements;
c) Strict security measures in Budapest; and
d) Management of international reactions and possible retaliation.
The coming days are expected to be critical in determining the final dates and terms of the meeting.
The “gray scenarios”
Analysts are warning about “gray zone scenarios”, such as proxy operations, attacks by unidentified drones, or provocations, that could be used to undermine the summit or trigger an escalation.
The international community is closely monitoring the developments and calling for transparency and safeguards to prevent new flashpoints of tension.
www.bankingnews.gr
Orbán stated that Hungary is “ready” to host the meeting and that “necessary security and legal preparations are underway” to allow Putin to attend — despite the ICC warrant.
Reports suggest that Hungary intends to secure legal and diplomatic guarantees to ensure that Putin can travel without risk of arrest.
Europe’s humiliation
The choice of Budapest has sparked strong reactions across Europe and in the media, which have described it as a “unilateral move” or even a “humiliation” for European diplomacy, since EU institutions and heads of state are not directly involved in the process.
Criticism has also focused on the political risks of hosting a leader facing international charges.
Beyond political issues, serious technical and security questions are being raised over how the flight routes of the presidents will be arranged and what kind of escort aircraft will protect them — especially given the sensitivity of the event and the risks posed by drones, MANPADS, or other missiles.
Three potential routes are reportedly under consideration:
Northern route (via Belarus/Poland — high risk due to NATO airspace)
Southern route (via Turkey and the Balkans — considered safer)
Extended southern route (crossing the Caspian Sea and Azerbaijan).
The Russian presidential aircraft Il-96-300PU — the platform often used to transport Putin — is considered highly protected, equipped with multiple defense layers such as MAWS, infrared countermeasure systems (DIRCM), flares, electronic warfare capabilities, and reinforced armor.
It is usually accompanied by support aircraft (Il-22PP, Tu-214SR) and fighter escorts.
The issue of which nations’ aircraft will provide escort and protection is now being actively discussed in diplomatic and military circles.
The U.S. role in the "escort"
It is also noted that during previous movements of Russian leaders, there have been instances where U.S. F-22 or F-35 fighters appeared as escorts or reconnaissance aircraft in border airspace, highlighting the extreme sensitivity of such flights and the need for coordination among involved air forces.
The presence of such escorts, however, also carries diplomatic implications; an attack on an aircraft carrying heads of state would be considered an act of extraordinary aggression.
From a diplomatic perspective, the Budapest summit stands in direct contrast to Ukraine’s efforts to secure additional defense support (including long-range weapons) — and is already causing reshuffling in the schedules of top leaders and negotiations.
Trump, in fact, announced the summit just hours before his scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington, a move that heightened tension and criticism.
The preparations for the summit will require agreements covering:
a) Legal framework – including Hungary’s stance on the ICC mandate;
b) Technical and air coordination – routes, air corridors, and escort arrangements;
c) Strict security measures in Budapest; and
d) Management of international reactions and possible retaliation.
The coming days are expected to be critical in determining the final dates and terms of the meeting.
The “gray scenarios”
Analysts are warning about “gray zone scenarios”, such as proxy operations, attacks by unidentified drones, or provocations, that could be used to undermine the summit or trigger an escalation.
The international community is closely monitoring the developments and calling for transparency and safeguards to prevent new flashpoints of tension.
www.bankingnews.gr
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