US President Donald Trump had a phone conversation with Hungarian leader Viktor Orban, where he discussed Hungary's consumption of Russian oil. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed that the conversation took place on Wednesday.
European officials fear that US President Donald Trump's new rhetoric on Ukraine is aimed at shifting blame to Europe. Trump is calling on the EU for tougher sanctions against Russia and tariffs on China and India, which Europeans consider unfeasible.
US President Donald Trump intends to talk to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to get Hungary to stop buying Russian oil. Trump believes Orban may agree to this if he discusses the issue with him.
Hungary will not give up Russian oil, citing a lack of infrastructure for alternative supplies. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó called Western European officials "fanatics" who criticize Budapest's position.
The European Commission plans to unfreeze approximately €550 million in EU funds for Hungary. This comes amid attempts to overcome Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's veto on imposing additional sanctions against Russia.
Thousands of people protested across Slovakia against the economic and pro-Russian policies of Prime Minister Robert Fico. Rallies took place in 16 cities, including the capital Bratislava, due to Fico's trip to China and meeting with Putin, as well as due to austerity measures.
The European Union is considering imposing sanctions on companies in India and China that facilitate trade in Russian oil as part of a new package of restrictions. The US proposes tariffs of up to 100% for China and India, and will also affect Russian oil companies.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that in Russia's war against Ukraine, in his opinion, there is somehow a "victory for Russia. " The head of the Hungarian government also claims that the European Union, with its policies, is heading towards a state of "disintegration."
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that he does not consider himself anti-Ukrainian and seeks a future for Ukraine. He emphasized that the collapse of the neighboring country is not in Budapest's interests.
António Costa stated that Russia's unwillingness to start peace talks indicates its true intentions. He emphasized that Putin deliberately delays any negotiation processes.
Ukrainian specialists are improving armaments, but financial constraints pose serious challenges. President Zelenskyy is working with partners on financing new weapons clusters, including drones and missiles.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine fulfills all EU recommendations, therefore he sees no grounds for claims from Hungary. He is ready for dialogue and a meeting with Prime Minister Orbán to discuss all issues.
President Zelenskyy stated that 26 out of 35 countries are ready to provide real security support to Ukraine, including the USA. He also discussed with Trump paths to peace and disappointment with some European countries that finance Russia.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on September 5. This will happen after his return from Beijing, where Fico will participate in a parade and meet with the leaders of China and Russia.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico may meet in China. The meeting will take place during a parade in Beijing dedicated to the end of World War II in the Asian theater of operations.
After a call from Donald Trump, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban reduced his resistance to Ukraine's accession to the European Union. Diplomats hope for a breakthrough on Ukraine's accession in the coming months.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of a "direct threat to Budapest" over his statements about shelling the Druzhba oil pipeline. Orban stated that it is impossible to enter the EU through blackmail, explosions, and threats.
MEP Rihards Kols stated that the prime ministers of Hungary and Slovakia, Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico, are destroying Europe from within. He expressed disappointment with Europe's stance and hope for changes in Hungary after the upcoming elections.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has always sought partnership with Hungary. Now, the further state of these relations depends exclusively on Hungary itself.
Russia estimated the minimum repair time for the damaged Druzhba oil pipeline at five days after the Ukrainian strike on August 21. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó discussed the situation with Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban appealed to Donald Trump for help regarding the shelling of the "Druzhba" oil pipeline by Ukrainians. Trump responded that he was "very angry" and advised Orban to talk to Slovakia.
A high-ranking Pentagon official informed allies about the minimal role of the US in Ukraine's security guarantees. European countries are concerned and demand the deployment of American fighter jets in Romania.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticizes the idea of a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin in Budapest. He recalled that in 1994, Ukraine had already received guarantees of territorial integrity in Budapest, which were violated by Russia.
A number of countries, including Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Hungary, have expressed readiness to organize a meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia. The White House is considering Budapest as the main venue for trilateral negotiations.
The White House is planning a possible trilateral meeting of the US, Russian, and Ukrainian presidents in Budapest. The US Secret Service is preparing for the summit, although the final location may change.
US President Donald Trump called Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to find out why he is blocking Ukraine's EU accession talks. European leaders asked Trump to use his influence on Orban.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico supports Ukraine's accession to the EU, but not to NATO, and believes that without resolving the issue of "territorial changes" it is difficult to achieve peace. He is also skeptical about additional sanctions against Russia and refuses to pay for weapons for Ukraine.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó accused Ukraine of attacking the oil pipeline leading to Hungary. The head of Ukrainian diplomacy, Andriy Sybiha, reminded that Russia started the war.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban positively assessed the meeting between Trump and Putin, calling the world safer. He believes that cooperation between the largest nuclear powers has been restored.
European leaders aim to prepare Trump for a meeting with Putin, fearing a "dirty deal" on Ukraine. They will hold a virtual summit to set boundaries and discuss security guarantees for Ukraine.
