Tensions are escalating in the European political arena on the eve of the planned meeting between Putin and Trump in Budapest. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
Initially announced as a “peace summit,” the meeting has recently become the center of geopolitical conflict. European Union countries initially granted permission for the Russian president’s plane to pass through their airspace, but some countries later expressed objections.
Germany and Poland consider this visit dangerous. Some experts emphasize the possibility of provocation or collision while the Russian leader’s plane is in the air.
In Poland, some politicians are proposing to intercept or forcibly land Putin’s plane in their airspace. Former Prime Minister Waldemar Pawlak stated that it is necessary to arrest the Russian leader based on an International Criminal Court warrant.
Bulgaria, on the other hand, is recognized as the only country ready to provide an air corridor, although this decision may change. Currently, representatives from nearly 30 countries are gathered in London to discuss whether to allow or prohibit the Russian plane’s flight through European skies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also participating in this meeting. For him, the potential meeting between Trump and Putin has become a personal political issue.
According to European media reports, various alternative scenarios, including possible incidents in the air, are being discussed behind closed doors. Some sources point to the United Kingdom as a potential center for provocations.
Estonian former Prime Minister and European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, described Putin’s visit to Hungary as an “unpleasant situation.” In her view, the acceptance of a person with an International Criminal Court warrant in a European country sends a bad signal.
Kallas emphasized that negotiations can only make sense if they increase pressure on Moscow and involve Kyiv’s compulsory participation. Russian expert Andrey Bezrukov assessed this visit as even more dangerous.
According to him, the threat exists not only on the ground but also in the air. Although Bulgaria has expressed readiness to assist, the plane’s flight will pass through NATO air defense systems.
This increases the risk that any mistake could lead to significant political consequences. Under such circumstances, Putin’s flight to Budapest is not just a diplomatic visit but a complex and dangerous political move.
European countries are caught between two options: on one hand, the opportunity for dialogue for peace; on the other, the risk of further deterioration in relations with Russia. In Brussels, this meeting is seen as a “test for Europe.”
One decision could break long-standing relations with Trump, while another could create a temporary “trust” appearance with Moscow. This may lead to accusations of hypocrisy in European politics.
Although official statements present the meeting between Trump and Putin as a step toward ensuring peace in Ukraine, in reality, this event is becoming the most dangerous geopolitical game at the intersection of interests of the United States, the European Union, and NATO. Therefore, this meeting holds great significance not only politically but also in terms of security.
