Poland Cautions Putin Against Airspace Violation Amid Potential Ukraine Summit in Budapest
Warsaw, Poland – October 21, 2025 – Poland has issued a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin against utilizing Polish airspace should he travel to Budapest for prospective peace talks regarding the conflict in Ukraine. The caution comes as Hungary has affirmed it will not impede Putin’s entry or departure, despite an international arrest warrant issued for him by the international Criminal Court (ICC).
The potential summit,tentatively planned for Budapest,aims to foster dialogue toward a resolution of the ongoing war. Though, Putin’s travel presents a complex logistical and political challenge, given the ICC warrant related to alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Hungary’s decision to withdraw from the ICC treaty – a process not finalized until May 2026 – and its pledge to allow Putin unimpeded passage have raised concerns among allied nations. Poland, sharing a border with both Ukraine and Russia, is notably sensitive to any actions that could be perceived as support for the Kremlin.
Hungary,a member of both the European Union and NATO,has maintained comparatively closer ties with Russia under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s leadership.This stance has prompted scrutiny from other EU and NATO members, who have largely condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine and imposed sanctions. Hungary’s commitment to facilitate Putin’s travel underscores a divergence in approach within the alliance.