Hungary Blocks EU Application for International Arrest Warrant for Putin

Hungary has blocked a joint application by EU member states for an international arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bloomberg reports.

“Budapest's veto meant that EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell issued a statement on behalf of the EU, acknowledging the ICC's decision,” the article states.

On March 17, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, which is not recognized by Russia, issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Children’s Rights Commissioner for the President.

The spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, stated that the court's decisions hold no significance for the Russian Federation, asserting that Russia is not obligated to comply with the ICC's demands since the Kremlin is not a member of the Rome Statute.

“The arrest 'warrants' issued by the ICC in The Hague are legally void for our country,” she said.