Budapest
The European Commission is tightening the conditions for payments to Hungary due to violations of EU legislation. Budapest is already losing 18 billion euros, but the amount may increase due to restrictions on democracy.
Former Ukrainian diplomat Serhiy Alexandrov was detained in Hungary. This happened after the exposure of the Hungarian intelligence network in Ukraine and the expulsion of diplomats.
Former Ukrainian diplomat Serhiy Alexandrov was detained in Budapest. Hungary deported him, accusing him of espionage, in response to the detention of Hungarian intelligence officers in Ukraine.
The Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Péter Szijjártó, announced the expulsion of two individuals who allegedly worked at the Ukrainian embassy in Budapest. They are accused of espionage.
On May 12, another round of consultations between Ukraine and Hungary on the protection of the rights of national minorities will take place in Uzhhorod.
The EU does not rule out separating Moldova's accession process from Ukraine's due to Hungary's resistance. Only Budapest opposes Ukraine's accession to the EU, blocking negotiations.
Olga Sopit won a silver medal in the individual rapier fencing competition. This is the fourth medal of the European Youth Championship for the athlete.
Despite the war, Ukrainians continue to travel. The most popular holiday destinations in Ukraine are western resorts, and abroad - Bulgaria, Greece and Egypt.
The Hungarian Parliament has adopted an amendment that allows banning public LGBTQ+ events, such as Budapest Pride. Authorities will be able to identify participants and fine them.
The Hungarian parliament may adopt an amendment to the constitution that effectively bans LGBTQ+ gatherings. Suspension of citizenship for threatening the country's security is also possible.
Donald Trump Jr. will visit Romania on April 28 as part of an Eastern European tour. The visit will take place a week before the first round of presidential elections.
Ukraine was supposed to start negotiations on joining the EU this week. Hungary has blocked this process, but there is hope for a June compromise.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Budapest for talks with Viktor Orbán. The visit takes place against the background of the ICC warrant for the arrest of Netanyahu for war crimes in Gaza.
Peter Szijjarto made his 13th visit to Moscow since the beginning of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine. EU officials are surprised by the frequent contacts between the Hungarian minister's frequent contacts with the Kremlin.
The Hungarian Parliament has passed a law banning LGBTQ+ prides, citing the protection of children. Violations are punishable by fines and the use of facial recognition.
The ruling FIDESZ party has introduced a bill banning the organization of annual gay parades in Budapest. Orbán has recently stepped up attacks on LGBTQ groups.
Paris and London have initiated a month-long truce in Ukraine's air, sea and energy infrastructure. Macron noted that ground fighting would not be included in the truce for the time being due to the difficulty of control.
Viktor Orbán's government proposes to move the annual LGBT pride parade from the streets of Budapest to an enclosed space, explaining it as “child protection. ” This continues a series of restrictions on the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in Hungary.
In Budapest, several thousand judicial employees marched for the independence of the judiciary in Hungary. The protesters opposed the “freezing” of salary increases and demanded guarantees of judicial independence.
The Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, spoke about Russia's attempts to move towards Kyiv and the threat to the whole of Europe. He emphasized that the aggressor can only be stopped through the power of unity and consolidated pressure.
From February 1, 2025, new banking limits on transfers will be introduced in Ukraine, and electricity tariffs will change. Also, changes will occur in payments to military personnel, and international train tickets will become more expensive.
Ukrzaliznytsia reduces discounts on tickets to Poland and Hungary due to rising costs. The price increase will range from 9% to 37% depending on the direction and class of carriage.
Some Chinese air carriers have begun to avoid flying over southwestern Russia after the plane crash in Kazakhstan. New routes to Georgia and Hungary now go through Azerbaijan and other regions of Russia.
Duplicate information in Russian has been removed from railway tickets in Ukraine. Information is now provided in Ukrainian and English, which is a step towards European integration.
Two new rail routes from Kyiv to the capitals of Hungary and Slovakia were launched. The new connections should relieve congestion on the Warsaw route and improve logistics links with the EU.
On December 15, a new railway route Kyiv-Budapest with compartment and luxury cars will be launched. Tickets are already on sale, starting at UAH 2800, and the train will provide convenient connections to other European cities.
Ukrzaliznytsia has launched train ticket sales according to the new 2025 schedule. Starting from December 15, tickets are available for most domestic routes, including new destinations to Solotvyno, Yasinia, and Rakhiv.
Ukraine launches two new rail routes to Bratislava and Budapest on December 15. It is also increasing the number of trains to Warsaw and expanding connections to the western regions of Ukraine.
The United States announces the formation of a 50,000-strong Russian group, including 11,000 North Korean troops, in the Kursk region. DPRK soldiers are training with Russian forces for a future offensive.
The European Union is discussing the possibility of continuing to support Ukraine in the event of a Trump administration. The EU has already provided €118 billion in aid, but is critically dependent on American military resources.