Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin’s chief, addresses the Valdai Discussion Club’s annual plenary session in Sochi, Russia, on October 2, 2025.
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The head of Bulgarian diplomacy Georgiy Georgiev signaled that Bulgaria is ready to allow a flight of the Russian leader through its airspace for a possible meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Budapest, if Moscow makes such a request. The comment was made on the program of the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR).
«When efforts are being made to achieve peace, if the condition for this is holding a meeting, then the most logical thing is that such a meeting be organized by all possible means»
– Georgiy Georgiev
When asked whether this means granting a corridor for Putin’s plane, Georgiy Georgiev replied:
«And how is the meeting proposed to be held if one of the participants cannot attend?»
– Georgiy Georgiev
Bulgaria is a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which in March 2023 issued an arrest warrant for the head of the Kremlin on suspicion of deporting Ukrainian children from the occupied territories of Ukraine to Russia, and therefore is obliged to comply with its ruling.
What is known about the Trump-Putin meeting in Hungary
On October 16, the U.S. President Trump spoke by phone with the head of Russia, Putin. They discussed the transfer of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. According to the American leader, Putin did not like the idea of weapons being supplied to Kyiv.
Also, Putin and Trump discussed the possibility of a meeting in Hungary. When the meeting will take place is unknown.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed support for holding this summit and spoke with U.S. President Trump and the head of Russia Putin. According to him, Hungary has begun preparations for a “peace summit”.
Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that the country will receive the head of Russia, Putin, despite the arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court over the alleged deportation of Ukrainian children.
Russia said that there is the will of the presidents to hold such a meeting, but first the matter would be worked out by Foreign Minister Lavrov and Secretary of State Rubio.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that if he is invited to Budapest for talks between Trump and Putin, he is ready to join.
«There is the will of the presidents to hold such a meeting, but first the matter would be worked out by Foreign Minister Lavrov and Secretary of State Rubio»
– Russia
The development of events remains unpredictable: key players continue diplomatic talks and coordinate possible steps, which may change depending on how the situation unfolds.