The proposed meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised significant concerns among European Union officials. According to the Financial Times, the summit, scheduled to take place in Hungary, has left the bloc in a state of disquiet, with officials expressing a mix of frustration and forced optimism. While some diplomats have humorously remarked that they “grin through their teeth” to mask their discomfort, others have voiced more pointed criticisms regarding the choice of Hungary as the host country.
Hungary’s long-standing refusal to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia has been a focal point of these concerns. Additionally, the presence of a long-standing International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Putin has added another layer of complexity to the summit. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has expressed discomfort at the prospect of a man under ICC arrest warrant visiting a European country, although Hungary has indicated its willingness to host the meeting despite its incomplete withdrawal from the ICC.
The issue is further complicated by the reported suspension of the summit planning as some media outlets indicated that the meeting was put on hold, citing anonymous White House sources. The Kremlin, however, has countered these claims, emphasizing that substantial groundwork is necessary before the meeting can be finalized. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities stemming from international relations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.