The proposed meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has caused unease among EU officials, according to diplomatic sources. The leaders agreed to meet in Budapest during a recent phone call, surprising European authorities. The announcement reportedly led to widespread dissatisfaction within the bloc.

“No one likes it. We’re all grinning through our teeth whilst saying this is fine,” an unnamed EU diplomat stated.

Several officials criticized Hungary for hosting the summit due to its refusal to support Ukraine in its conflict with Moscow. Others referenced the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant for Putin, noting that Budapest would be obligated to detain him if he entered the country.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas commented on the situation, stating, “It’s not nice… to see that a person put on the arrest warrant by the ICC is coming to a European country.”

Hungary has withdrawn from the ICC but has not completed the process. The country has already declined to enforce the warrant and expressed willingness to host the summit.

The ICC’s warrant against Putin relates to alleged abductions of Ukrainian children during the conflict. Moscow denies these charges, calling them politically motivated and based on false information provided by Kiev. Russian officials stated that a limited number of unattended children were evacuated for safety and are ready to return them immediately.

Some media reports indicated that planning for the Trump-Putin summit has been “on hold,” based on statements from anonymous White House officials. Moscow has refuted these claims, stating that significant preparation is required before the meeting.

“You’ve heard statements from the American side and our own that this may take time. So, no definite timeframe has been established,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.