Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has issued a chilling warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of a planned summit with US President Donald Trump in Budapest. Citing an ICC arrest warrant, Sikorski said Poland could be forced to detain Putin if he enters its territory, potentially even escorting his plane down.
The ICC issued the warrant in March 2023, accusing Putin of the war crime of illegally deporting Ukrainian children during Russia’s 2022 invasion. Hungary has vowed safe passage for Putin, but his route would likely cross EU airspace where the warrant is recognized.
“I cannot guarantee that an independent Polish court won’t order the government to escort such an aircraft down to hand the suspect to the court in The Hague.” — Radoslaw Sikorski, Polish Foreign Minister
European leaders have strongly supported Ukraine’s position, emphasizing the need to enforce international law amid the ongoing conflict, as seen in recent statements backing Trump’s calls for an immediate end to the war.
This standoff highlights the growing pressure on global powers to address war crimes—will Putin reroute, or test Poland’s resolve? It underscores how legal accountability can disrupt even high-stakes diplomacy.
Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you make a purchase through the ads.Sources: Reuters, The Independent