Viktor Orbán
Georgia's opposition is demanding repeat elections under international supervision. President Salome Zurabishvili spoke at the protest rally, supporting the demands of the demonstrators and promising to stand with the people.
During Viktor Orban's visit to Tbilisi, local residents booed cars with Hungarian flags on Rustaveli Avenue. The protesters chanted anti-Russian slogans, while the Hungarian Prime Minister declared his support for Georgia.
EU spokesperson Peter Stano said that Orban's visit to Georgia was purely bilateral and did not represent the interests of the EU. The Hungarian prime minister unexpectedly showed up at the hotel where the opposition is meeting with Western diplomats.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban unexpectedly arrives at the Tbilisi Marriott Hotel, where the opposition was meeting with Western diplomats. His official visit to Georgia comes after disputed parliamentary elections criticized by the EU.
European diplomats are developing a plan to tighten sanctions against Russia in the wake of Trump's possible return to the US presidency. New restrictions will include supply controls, oil and LNG sanctions.
European Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra proposes to change the tax system to stimulate green technologies. The EU also plans to revise emission standards for new vehicles by 2026.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that the EU is trying to deprive him of power because of disagreement with his policies on Ukraine and migration. He compared his rally to the anti-Soviet uprising of 1956.
Roksolana Pidlasa explained that Orban could not block the EU's €35 billion allocation to Ukraine. All that is needed to disburse the funds is a simple majority vote in the EU Council, not a unanimous decision.
EU countries are seeking to resume discussions on sanctions against Russia in January, when Poland takes over the presidency from Hungary. The plan is to tighten measures against Russian fuel and eliminate existing loopholes in the sanctions regime.
The US may provide Ukraine with up to $20 billion from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets. The G7 countries are negotiating the structure of a $50 billion loan agreed in June 2024.
The President of Ukraine said that some partners have expressed a desire to hold direct talks with Russia. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine's position is unchanged: negotiations on Ukraine cannot take place without its participation.
Hungarian Prime Minister Orban has again blocked EU sanctions against Russia, which are necessary to provide Ukraine with $50 billion. He postpones the decision until after the US election, hoping for a Trump victory.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed support for Ukraine's Victory Plan within the competence of the EC. The plan has been endorsed by 18 EU members and several NATO defense ministers.
Hungarian Prime Minister Orban called Ukraine's Victory Plan “frightening”. He called on the leaders of Germany and France to start negotiations with Russia on behalf of the EU to find a way out of the situation.
The President of Ukraine commented on his meeting with the Hungarian Prime Minister at a meeting of the European Council. Zelenskyy presented the Victory Plan, which was supported by the majority of speakers.
Hungarian Prime Minister Orban is preparing to disrupt a $50 billion loan to Ukraine to help Trump in the election. He refuses to extend EU sanctions, blocking US participation in the financing.
The President of the European Commission accused the Hungarian prime minister of flirting with Putin and allowing foreign interference. She also criticized his policies on migration and the EU single market.
The EU is considering voluntary contributions to the European Peace Fund to circumvent Hungary's veto. This would make it possible to provide assistance to Ukraine without the unanimous support of all EU countries.
A rally of thousands of people was held in Budapest against the bias of state television. Protesters from the opposition party TISZA demanded independent public media and criticized the “propaganda machine” of the Orban government.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga called on Hungary to support the opening of negotiating clusters on EU accession. The parties also agreed to develop border infrastructure and hold a meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission.
The Foreign Ministers of Ukraine and Hungary paid special attention to Ukraine's peace initiatives. Sibiga thanked Szijjarto for participating in the First Peace Summit and expressed hope for Hungary's continued support of Ukrainian initiatives.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga held talks with his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto. The issues discussed included the war, the rights of the Hungarian minority, and countering Russian disinformation.
Austria is holding parliamentary elections. The right-wing radical AfD, which criticizes aid to Ukraine, and the current chancellor's AfP, which supports Kyiv, but more moderately than other EU countries, are in the running.
Piotr Pawel believes that part of the Ukrainian territory may temporarily remain under Russian occupation. He predicts that the war could drag on for years, with its end “somewhere in the middle.
The Danube has overflowed its banks in Budapest, threatening to flood tourist spots. Flooding is expected to peak on Saturday, with authorities erecting protective structures and closing some subway stations.
Penalty imposed for longstanding restrictions on the right to asylum, which Hungary refuses to lift.
The Hungarian Foreign Minister said that the inclusion of Russians and Belarusians in the “national card” program does not pose a risk to the Schengen area. The EU is demanding explanations for this decision from Hungary.
Belarusian dictator Lukashenko calls for a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine. He claims that the conflict benefits only "high-ranking people of American origin" who want "Ukrainians and Russians to destroy each other.
Viktor Orban has created a new far-right group in the European Parliament, strengthening his influence. This could undermine EU unity on key issues, especially support for Ukraine.
The EU demands that Hungary explain its decision to ease visa rules for citizens of Russia and Belarus. EU Commissioner Ylva Johansson expressed concern about potential espionage and security risks for the bloc.