Trump-Putin Summit in Budapest: Hungary Obliged to Enforce ICC Warrant Despite Political Announcements
Amid reports of a potential upcoming meeting between U.S.
President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Budapest, Europe received new signals regarding Hungary’s obligations under international justice systems.
Berlin emphasized that, regardless of Budapest’s political decisions to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), Hungary remains obliged to execute the arrest warrant issued by the court for Vladimir Putin.
Although the Hungarian government announced plans to exit the ICC statute, this decision will only take effect in April next year, meaning Hungary is still bound by its international commitments for the time being.
The German Foreign Ministry highlighted that, should Russian President Putin enter Hungarian territory, the country must arrest him in accordance with international law.
At the same time, Berlin pointed out that any exceptions regarding this matter must be directly coordinated with the ICC, as the Court’s statute does not provide for such exemptions.
Meanwhile, U.S.
President Donald Trump announced a phone conversation with Putin, agreeing to meet in Budapest within two weeks.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán revealed that preparations for the summit are underway, though the Kremlin has yet to confirm Putin’s travel route.