Warsaw Says It May Enforce ICC Arrest Warrant If Russian President Flies Over

The Polish government has issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that he risks arrest if he attempts to fly through Polish airspace en route to an upcoming summit in Hungary with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The warning came Tuesday, as international attention turned to Budapest, where Trump announced plans last week to meet with Putin in what he described as an effort to “broker peace” in Ukraine.

“Poland is a party to the Rome Statute and therefore bound by the decisions of the International Criminal Court,” said a spokesperson for Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “If President Putin enters Polish airspace, we will be compelled to act according to international law.”

ICC Warrant Looms Over Putin’s Travel Plans

In March 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for Vladimir Putin’s arrest over alleged war crimes committed during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children.

While the warrant has had limited impact within non signatory countries like Russia and China, it technically obligates all 123 ICC member states, including Poland and Hungary, to arrest Putin if he enters their territory.

Hungary, however, has previously signaled reluctance to enforce the warrant, despite being an ICC signatory. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has maintained close ties with both Trump and Putin and is hosting the summit in Budapest, raising tensions among NATO allies.

Trump’s Controversial Diplomacy

Trump’s announcement of the meeting billed as an attempt to end the war in Ukraine has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters say it reflects Trump’s commitment to de-escalation, while critics argue it legitimizes a leader accused of war crimes.

“It’s time for strong diplomacy,” Trump told reporters last week. “The war in Ukraine should never have happened, and I believe it’s possible to bring it to a close fast.”

Airspace as a Pressure Point

Poland’s warning raises the possibility of a diplomatic standoff if Putin chooses to attend the summit. Airspace denial or enforcement of the ICC warrant mid flight could present unprecedented legal and geopolitical challenges.

“It’s not just about law it’s about signaling that war crimes won’t be ignored,” said a European security analyst.