Poland Warns It May Arrest Putin if He Enters Its Airspace
Poland’s Foreign Minister stated that the country could be compelled to escort or detain Russian President Vladimir Putin if he flies through Polish airspace on his way to a planned summit in Hungary with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Legal Basis and Alarm
The warning stems from an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2023, which obliges member states to arrest Putin if he enters their territory. The minister cautioned that Poland cannot guarantee compliance with this obligation would not lead to execution of the warrant.
Implications for the Summit
The planned summit in Hungary faces logistical hurdles: Putin would need air-routes across at least one European Union state, because flying via Ukraine is not feasible. Poland’s warning adds to the uncertainty about whether Putin can travel for the meeting without legal or diplomatic consequences. Hungary has indicated it will allow his arrival, despite being an ICC member until mid-2026.
