Viktor Orbán
Trump emphasized that he was aware of the mixed reactions in Europe to his stance, but this did not change his assessment of the Hungarian prime minister's performance.
US President Donald Trump opened the first meeting of the Peace Council, calling it his most important undertaking. He welcomed world leaders, including representatives from Saudi Arabia and Hungary.
Hungary is considering halting electricity and gas exports to Ukraine if Kyiv does not resume the supply of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline. Hungary and Slovakia accuse Ukraine of delaying the resumption of supplies for political reasons.
The European Commission has reduced its public criticism of the Orban government to avoid accusations of interference and to not fuel his anti-Brussels campaign. Brussels fears that strong statements could be used by Orban as proof of pressure from the EU.
Hungary and Slovakia have approached Croatia regarding the transportation of Russian oil via the Adriatic pipeline. This decision is due to the cessation of transit through the Ukrainian branch of the Druzhba oil pipeline after Russian attacks.
Donald Trump announced the attraction of over $5 billion from the founding countries of the Peace Council for humanitarian needs and infrastructure restoration in Gaza. The funds will be finalized on February 19 in Washington.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Slovakia, where he will meet with Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini. He will discuss US-Slovak relations, regional security, and nuclear energy.
On February 14, 2026, President Zelenskyy received the Ewald von Kleist Award on behalf of the Ukrainian people. In his speech, he thanked the leaders of European countries, the EU leadership, the presidents of the USA and Azerbaijan, and also mentioned Viktor Orban.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is holding the European front. He emphasized that some politicians might think about personal interests rather than stopping Russian tanks.
Hungary's opposition Tisza party maintains a 10% lead over Prime Minister Orbán's Fidesz party in February. This is according to a poll conducted by the Idea Institute ahead of the April 12 parliamentary elections.
Secretary of State Rubio will hold talks with Hungary and Slovakia regarding the purchase of Russian energy. The visit to Hungary is bilateral, and the visit to Slovakia is a logical addition to the trip.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban urged not to send money to Ukraine, stating that "war harms business. " He also called German leader Friedrich Merz a "weak leader" without naming him.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Hungary and Slovakia next week. The visit comes after Donald Trump endorsed Viktor Orban, who is trailing in the polls ahead of the elections.
Donald Trump, in a Truth Social Post, expressed support for Viktor Orbán, calling him a strong leader who tirelessly fights for his country. Trump endorsed his re-election as Prime Minister of Hungary.
According to a Publicus Institute poll, 48% of decided voters support the Tisza party, while 40% are ready to vote for Fidesz. Thus, the opposition maintains an eight percentage point lead.
In Budapest, the Roma community protested against Minister János Lázár's statements regarding the segregated education of Roma children. Activists demand an apology and condemnation of segregation from the government.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine summoned Hungarian Ambassador Antal Heizer over false statements about Ukraine's interference in the elections. The Ukrainian side called on Hungary to stop anti-Ukrainian rhetoric.
The Hungarian government has launched a campaign to collect signatures against EU funding for Ukraine, arguing that it threatens to impoverish Hungarians. The campaign is unfolding ahead of elections where Orbán's party could lose its lead.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that the peace plan for Ukraine envisages its accession to the European Union on January 1, 2027. However, he noted that some EU member states, including Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia, would not agree to this.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reacted to Viktor Orban's statements about blocking Ukraine's accession to the EU. Sybiha accused Orban of fulfilling "Putin's whim" and compared him to Hungarian politicians during World War II.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that his country's parliament would not vote for Ukraine's accession to the EU for the next 100 years. Official Kyiv reacted, hinting that this plan is doomed to fail, as "the master in Moscow" will not last that long.
A new public conflict erupted between the leaders of Ukraine and Hungary. Orban accused Zelenskyy of unwillingness to end the war.
Hungary has received an invitation from Donald Trump to join the US-created Peace Council. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán confirmed the acceptance of this invitation.
On December 19, the European Union approved €90 billion in funding for Ukraine, which the country will repay after receiving reparations from Russia. Journalists found out how this process took place.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni put more than 270 state gifts up for auction, including python skin shoes and an iPad from Zelenskyy. The total value of the lots is about 800,000 euros, and the sale is due to a law prohibiting keeping gifts worth more than 300 euros.
Hungarian state energy company MVM Group and Romanian E. ON Group have mutually agreed to terminate the agreement for the acquisition of a 68% stake in E.ON Energie Romania and a 98% stake in E.ON Asist. The Romanian government did not support the deal due to concerns about MVM's ties with Russia.
EU diplomats are trying to find a compromise on financial aid to Ukraine ahead of the bloc's leaders' summit. Options being considered include a loan based on frozen Russian assets or joint EU debt.
Russian intelligence organized a campaign to intimidate Belgian politicians and Euroclear top managers to block the use of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine. The attack targeted key Euroclear officials, where most of Russia's frozen assets are held.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the possibility of financial support for Ukraine through the issuance of joint EU debt, as an alternative to using frozen Russian sovereign assets. This comes ahead of a meeting of EU leaders where ways to finance Ukraine will be discussed amid its expected deficit of 135 billion euros by 2027.
The EU leaders' summit on Thursday will test whether the bloc can hold together or whether US President Donald Trump can divide it. Officials of the Trump administration have been pushing European governments to reject a plan to use 210 billion euros of Russian assets to finance Ukraine.