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.
Republican lawmakers are worried about a split with Trump on key security issues. They are concerned about his stance on the war in Ukraine, NATO, and the defense of Taiwan from China.
Hungary has informed the EU of the end of its 'peace mission' in Ukraine after criticism from the Union. However, European capitals doubt the sincerity of this statement and do not rule out a possible resumption of the 'mission' by Orban.
Hungary has reportedly allowed Russian and Belarusian citizens to obtain a 'national card' to work in the country for 2 years. This has raised concerns in the EU about the possible infiltration of Russian spies.
Poland's deputy foreign minister suggested that Hungary should withdraw from the EU and NATO and form an alliance with Putin because of its constant criticism of these organizations. He also recalled Hungary's blocking of EU funds for Poland.
Hungary borrowed €1 billion from three Chinese banks in the spring of 2024. This is the largest loan in the country's history, to be repaid within three years, and is aimed at financing infrastructure and energy.
EU countries will discuss extending sanctions on Russian assets to secure a $50 billion G7 loan to Ukraine. Options for an indefinite extension or for 3 years are being considered.
Borrell supports Zelenskyy's intention to hold a second peace summit, but Russia's participation should not be on Putin's terms. The EU and Ukraine discussed the next steps after the Peace Summit in Switzerland and cooperation with global partners.
The President of Ukraine called for preserving unity in Europe despite Putin's attempts to create a split. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of joint actions and determination of European countries to ensure peace.
Trump has hinted at a willingness to ease or lift sanctions against Russia as part of his "deal" to end the war in Ukraine, saying he does not like sanctions and considers them useful only in certain cases, such as with Iran.
Due to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's uncoordinated visits to Moscow and Beijing during Hungary's presidency of the EU Council, some countries are considering boycotting ministerial meetings or handing over the presidency to another country.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and his Hungarian counterpart Szijjarto discussed the situation around Ukraine and bilateral cooperation during a meeting in New York.
Hungary cannot be stripped of its EU Council presidency, despite Orban's controversial visits to China and Russia, but EU countries can publicly boycott his policies.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen canceled the visit of the EC board to Budapest due to recent events related to Hungary's presidency of the EU Council, and the EC will be represented at informal meetings of the Council only at the level of senior civil servants.
President Zelenskiy said he does not see Western countries pushing Ukraine to negotiate with russia, but acknowledged that some leaders would like to do so.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban presents the "Orban Plan" for peace talks to EU leaders after visiting Ukraine, Russia, and China on a "peacekeeping mission.
Attorneys for former US President Donald Trump have formally asked a judge to overturn his conviction and indictment in the case of a hidden cash payment to porn actress Stormy Daniels.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban meets with former US President Donald Trump in Florida to discuss "ways to establish peace" in Ukraine.
Several EU countries, including Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Finland, will boycott ministerial meetings organized by Hungary during its presidency of the EU Council to protest Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's meetings with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who survived an assassination attempt in May, returned to work after recovering from his injuries.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's "peacekeeping mission" visits to Moscow and Beijing during Hungary's EU presidency have angered the EU, which may strip Hungary of its presidency within weeks because Orbán's diplomacy undermines the bloc's unity against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
After his meeting with Putin, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban sent a letter to EU leaders in which he paraphrased Russian propaganda about "peace for Ukraine," including false claims about Ukrainian military losses.
During a meeting between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, they discussed strengthening cooperation between China and the EU.
EU ambassadors will discuss Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's recent visits to Russia, among others.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called China a key power in creating conditions for peace in Russia's war against Ukraine during his visit to Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
After visiting Kyiv and Moscow, the Hungarian leader arrived in China on a "peace mission. " Before that, he announced "unexpected visits".
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's plane flew over Russia toward China, indicating that he is headed to China after recent visits to Kyiv, Moscow, and Azerbaijan.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's visit to moscow and calls for peace talks are intended to distract the West and undermine support for Ukraine, the Institute for War Studies believes.
The White House is concerned about Hungarian Prime Minister Orban's visit to Moscow to meet with Putin, as it will not advance peace and will not support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Far-right Dutch and Spanish parties are planning to join Hungarian Prime Minister Orban's new right-wing alliance in the European Parliament, potentially undermining Italian Prime Minister Meloni's power.