Putin and Orban Discuss Planned Meeting in Budapest

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban held a phone conversation, Orda.kz reports, citing Reuters. 

The call took place following Putin’s agreement with Donald Trump to hold talks in Budapest.

According to the Kremlin, Putin informed Orban about the main points of his conversation with Trump. Orban later wrote on Facebook that preparations for the summit were “in full swing.”

Questions remain over how the Russian president would travel to Hungary, as EU airspace remains closed to Russian aircraft. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told Reuters that Hungary would ensure a safe flight and reception for the Russian delegation.

There is no need for consultations with anyone. We are a sovereign country. We will receive him with respect and create all the conditions for talks with the American president,
  Peter Szijjarto said.

The two leaders also reportedly discussed the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Putin.

Hungary has said it plans to withdraw from the ICC and has already hosted individuals under similar sanctions. Hungarian officials have also previously said they would not arrest Putin.