Russian leader Vladimir Putin should not participate in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, say European diplomats, including the Lithuanian Foreign Minister.

Kestutis Budrys, the Lithuanian Foreign Minister, warned that Vladimir Putin should not be allowed to participate in the negotiations for ending the war in Ukraine, emphasizing that "there is no place for war criminals in Europe." This would be Putin's first visit to an EU country since the start of the invasion in February 2022.

Budrys suggested that if Trump wants Putin to attend the summit, he should look for alternatives. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban supports plans to host the summit, while Kaja Kallas, the head of EU foreign affairs, expressed that Putin's presence in Budapest is unwelcome. The European Commission suggested relaxing airspace restrictions to allow Putin's participation, but discussions should lead to an "immediate ceasefire," according to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.