Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has intensified his anti-Ukrainian campaign ahead of elections, blocking EU aid packages to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. This comes as his party trails by 20 points in the polls.
The President of the European Council, António Costa, urged Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to implement the EU agreement on providing Ukraine with a €90 billion loan. Hungary is blocking this loan and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia.
Budapest justified its decision to block the €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine. This caused disappointment among EU foreign ministers.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas announced discussions on the 20th sanctions package, but no progress is expected. Hungary is blocking it due to oil transit.
Hungary does not plan to stop electricity exports to Ukraine due to possible negative consequences for the Hungarian community in Zakarpattia. Halting supplies would hit border regions, said Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.
Hungary and Slovakia have approached the European Commission regarding the possibility of purchasing Russian oil via sea routes. The Hungarian company MOL has already ordered the first batches, which are expected to arrive in early March.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković rejected Hungary's and Slovakia's request for Russian oil transit, accusing Budapest of manipulation. Hungary called Croatia an "unreliable transit country" seeking a monopoly.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that Hungary would support US peace efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine. Orbán believes that the war would not have started if Donald Trump had been the US president.
Donald Trump is ready to help Hungary in case of financial difficulties. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Trump's commitment to Orban's success.
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.
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.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban reacted to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's mention of his name. Orban stated that Ukraine cannot become a member of the European Union.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin wants a Munich of 1936, when “another Putin” began to divide Europe.
President Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian army is the strongest in Europe, and it is foolish to keep it out of NATO. He emphasized that Europe's fear is not about Ukraine joining NATO, but about whether NATO itself will exist.
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.
The Hungarian government believes that Ukraine's rapid accession to the EU threatens the bloc with war with Russia and will harm the economy. Prime Minister Orbán sharply attacked Zelenskyy over his statement about Ukraine's readiness to join by 2027.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that Ukraine's plan to join the EU by 2027 is a "declaration of war" against Hungary. He called on Hungarians to stop these processes in the upcoming elections.
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.
Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán called Ukraine an enemy of his state, arguing that it threatens to increase the cost of living for Hungarians if the supply of cheap resources from Russia stops.
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.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, known for his loyalty to Donald Trump, is offering an "olive branch" to partners in the EU. This move comes amid rumors of his meeting with Trump, which reportedly did not meet Fico's expectations.
Ukrzaliznytsia has switched to an updated timetable for 118 long-distance trains and over a hundred regional and suburban routes. The changes are aimed at solving the problem of mass delays caused by shelling and detours.
Due to night shelling, over 60 Ukrzaliznytsia trains are running with delays. Among them are international and long-distance trains; railway workers are eliminating the damage.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán postponed the announcement of the Fidesz party's candidate until February, despite falling ratings. Sociological surveys show Fidesz trailing the opposition for the first time in 15 years.
President Zelenskyy stated that the 'Oreshnik' strike on Lviv region is a clear challenge for Warsaw, Bucharest, and Budapest. He emphasized the need for a system of joint actions and defense.
As of 4 p. m. on January 9, traffic restrictions have been lifted on most roads in the western regions of Ukraine. Restrictions continue to apply on one section in the Ivano-Frankivsk region.
Due to difficult weather conditions in Ukraine, 899 road accidents occurred in the past day, 153 of which involved casualties. Transport restrictions are in effect in Rivne, Zhytomyr, Lviv, Volyn, and Ivano-Frankivsk regions.
Due to unfavorable weather conditions in the Kyiv region, train movement has been slowed down, including train No. 10/9 Budapest — Kyiv. The obstruction has been removed, movement is being restored, and transfers have been arranged for those arriving during curfew.
Since the beginning of the day, 319 road accidents have been registered in Ukraine, 47 of them with casualties. Restrictions for trucks are in effect in Ivano-Frankivsk, Rivne, and Zhytomyr regions.
