Putin may have to take a detour to meet Trump in Budapest
Illustrative photo: Russian presidential plane Il-96-300 (Russian media)
Russian president Vladimir Putin will have to fly around most European Union countries to reach Budapest for a meeting with US President Donald Trump, citing Air Live.
Due to EU sanctions and the ban on Russian aircraft using European airspace after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russian government planes, including the presidential Il-96, are not allowed to fly over most European countries.
Putin’s route to Hungary must bypass almost all EU member states, even though Hungary belongs to the bloc.
The detour route could stretch about 5,000 km and increase flight time by approximately three hours compared to a direct 1,500 km route.
“While the Russian presidential aircraft is fully capable of long-haul flights, the extended route will require careful coordination with Turkish and Serbian air traffic control and potential contingency plans in case of weather or diplomatic complications,” the article notes.
Security experts point out that even a detour flight over the Black Sea would carry operational risks, given the military activity in the region.
The report adds that the official flight plan has not yet been released, but the most likely route is considered to be through Turkish and Serbian airspace.
Map: Airlive (airlive.net)
Trump-Putin summit in Budapest
On Thursday, October 16, Trump held a two-hour phone call with Putin.
Following the talk, the White House chief announced a new summit with the Kremlin leader, which will take place within the next two weeks in Budapest. The leaders will discuss ways to end the war in Ukraine.
Trump chose Hungary out of respect for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and for the country’s stability.
Orbán declared that Hungary is ready to host the summit.
The meeting between Trump and Putin will be bilateral; President Zelenskyy will be in contact remotely.
