Poland is debating whether to permit Russian President Vladimir Putin to fly over its airspace amid the International Criminal Court’s indictment and ongoing diplomatic talks.
Foreign Minister Rejects Flight Suggestion
Vice‑Minister of Foreign Affairs Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski said he would not suggest a flight over Poland. He explained that if the ICC comes back to them, the Polish court would decide what to do. If the court orders Putin’s detention, Bartoszewski would still not recommend a flight over the country.
He added that each state has the right to close its airspace and that any court decision would be binding for Poland. Bartoszewski summed up that he does not see the need for Putin to fly over Poland while the country accuses him of carrying out an armed attack on Ukraine, where he has been killing civilians for 3½ years.
Legal Basis for Polish Court’s Decision
Two years ago the ICC issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Russian child‑rights advocate Mariya Lvova‑Belova. Judges said there were “reasonable grounds” to hold the officials criminally liable for the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia and their subsequent adoption.
If the ICC proceeds, Polish authorities will choose how the international decision should be applied within the country.
Airspace Restrictions for Russian Flights
Russian aircraft are prohibited from flying over European Union and U.S. airspace. A flight to Hungary would therefore require special permission. Over Ukraine and Poland, the flight would be impossible.
Poland’s decision will also have to consider that the flight path may need detours through countries such as Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, or Romania.
Potential Detour Routes and Hungarian Summit
To reach Budapest after a cease‑fire, Putin may be forced to choose a circuitous route. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he might also go to Hungary for peace talks.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who could host a summit, said the country has a strong interest in a successful peace meeting, as Hungary’s economy would recover and costs such as food would drop.
