10:59 18-10-2025

General Reveals How Putin’s Flight to Trump Summit Will Run

General Vladimir Popov explains how Putin’s flight to the summit with Donald Trump in Budapest will be arranged, with Su-35 escorts and strict international coordination.

In a conversation with journalists, military expert and honored military pilot, Major General of Aviation Vladimir Popov, detailed how Russian President Vladimir Putin’s flight to Budapest for the upcoming summit with U. S. President Donald Trump will be arranged. According to Popov, flights involving the heads of state are conducted under a special procedure with heightened coordination and security.

As reported by MK, the general explained that all technical and diplomatic aspects of such flights are handled jointly by Rosaviatsiya and a special division of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These agencies are responsible for obtaining permissions, coordinating flight routes, and ensuring compliance with international aviation protocols.

Popov also noted that four Su-30SM or Su-35 fighter jets will accompany the presidential aircraft as an escort throughout its route. In some cases, the countries over which the plane flies may provide their own escort aircraft — a gesture made voluntarily and as a sign of respect toward the visiting head of state.

Speaking about the safety of the flight, Popov emphasized that every country granting permission for the aircraft to pass through its airspace assumes responsibility for the security of that flight segment. Such permission includes guarantees of safe passage and coordination between air defense and air traffic control services.

The general added that during the passage of a foreign leader’s aircraft, air traffic control services in the host countries may temporarily close certain air routes. Civilian flights operating on those routes receive commands to adjust their course or altitude to maintain a safe distance from the presidential aircraft.

Popov’s comments underline that the flight of the Russian president — and the entire delegation — will be organized according to a precisely coordinated plan involving both Russian and foreign agencies. The process reflects international diplomatic protocol and the high level of security required for such high-profile visits.