The European Commission is positively disposed towards the prospect of a meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Budapest, on the condition that it “advances the peace process” in Ukraine.

“Any meeting that advances the process of restoring a just and sustainable peace is welcome,” said Olof Gill, the Commission’s spokesman.

The European Commission clarified that the assets of the Russian president and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are frozen, but there is no specific ban on their movement into the European Union.

“We live in the real world. The meetings do not always take place in the terms and shape we want, but if they bring us closer to a just and sustainable peace for Ukraine, then we must welcome it in a positive way,” said the Commission representative.

EU foreign policy chief Anita Hipper echoed that, clarifying that while Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov have been subject to an asset freeze, they have not been subject to an EU travel ban. So technically there is no obstacle to Putin’s trip to Hungary.

Regarding Hungary’s role, the Commission noted that the country represents its own interests and not the EU’s in the matter. Despite the International Criminal Court’s pending arrest warrant for Putin, Hungary remains legally bound to implement it until it formally leaves the court, which is expected next year. However, as the Commission stated, “each member state retains discretion in making decisions”.

Regarding the ban on Russian flights in European airspace, Hungary has the possibility to request an overflight exception, which is a purely national competence.

Finally, regarding the meeting, the EU emphasized that “any meeting that advances the process for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine is welcome.”