Putin’s Hungary visit faces global storm: Will ICC arrest warrant force Hungary’s tough choice?

International News: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s planned visit to Hungary has stirred a storm across Europe. The meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump is meant to discuss Ukraine’s war. However, the choice of Hungary as a venue has ignited serious debate. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has already issued an arrest warrant against Putin for alleged war crimes. Now, many nations are asking whether Hungary, being an ICC member, will arrest him or ignore the order.

ICC arrest warrant explained clearly

The ICC warrant, issued in 2023, accuses Putin of illegal deportation of Ukrainian children during the war. But ICC has no police of its own. Its orders depend on member countries’ cooperation. That means Hungary, as a signatory of the Rome Statute, is technically bound to act. Neighboring states like Romania and Serbia are also ICC members, and even Germany has urged Hungary to take action. Still, the reality is that enforcing such warrants is rare and politically sensitive.

Hungary’s political balancing act

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán finds himself at the center of global attention. On paper, his government is still obligated to ICC rules. Yet Orbán has already initiated steps to withdraw from ICC membership, though the process takes time. Meanwhile, his close ties with Moscow and friendly relations with Donald Trump make any action against Putin highly unlikely. For Orbán, this summit is more about strengthening Hungary’s global image and diverting attention from domestic troubles.

Why Budapest is the chosen venue

Kremlin’s choice of Budapest is no accident. Hungary positions itself as one of the few European countries open to dialogue with both Russia and the U.S. Orbán has said Budapest is the only place in Europe where such a high-profile summit can safely occur. For Trump, it offers a symbolic stage to show leadership in resolving Ukraine’s war. For Putin, it is a test of how far Europe dares to challenge him under ICC rules.

Past examples of ICC challenges

History shows that ICC warrants often face obstacles. Leaders like former Liberian President Charles Taylor were eventually handed over, but only after regime changes. Some, like Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte, avoided ICC arrest entirely. In April, Hungary had already hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, also wanted for alleged war crimes, without any legal action. This has only strengthened the view that Budapest will not risk arresting Putin, no matter the warrant.

Potential risks for Putin himself

For Putin, traveling to Hungary would be his first visit to a European Union country since the Ukraine war began. This carries clear risks. Western countries will closely watch whether he steps on EU soil. Kremlin remains silent, only saying that “many questions remain unresolved” before the trip. The arrest warrant has already forced Putin to avoid most international travel. A Budapest trip would test how much protection allies like Orbán can realistically offer.

Hungary caught between law and loyalty

At its heart, the question is whether international law can overcome political friendship. Hungary, technically bound to ICC rules, could be forced to act. But Orbán’s loyalty to Moscow and Trump makes arrest almost impossible. Instead, Budapest may emerge as a neutral meeting point, offering Putin safe passage. The upcoming summit highlights how international justice collides with realpolitik, leaving the world to wonder: will law or loyalty decide Hungary’s actions?