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.
In Hungary, the burials of three elite warriors, approximately 1,100 years old, have been discovered, with DNA analysis confirming their paternal kinship. The men were buried in the 920s or 930s, likely after participating in military campaigns in Italy.
Passenger trains are temporarily running on alternative routes, bypassing Korosten in Zhytomyr region. This will extend travel time for 14 routes, but passengers will get home before Christmas Eve.
Hungary has blocked the European Union's enlargement statement, preventing Ukraine from starting EU accession negotiations. 26 EU member states support Ukraine, but Hungary did not support a positive assessment of its efforts.
Estonian President Alar Karis believes that Hungary should be helped to pay fines for terminating energy agreements with Russia. These agreements, some of which are valid until the 2040s, were concluded by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to ensure further supplies of cheap energy.
Thousands of Hungarians protested in Budapest against child abuse in a juvenile detention center. Opposition leader Péter Magyar called on Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to resign over the scandal.
Moldovan police received a report about the alleged mining of trains heading to Kyiv, and passengers of a train traveling from Przemyśl to Kyiv were evacuated at the Medyka border crossing due to a mysterious package.
FC Polissia and GGBET held a PUBSTOMP in Zhytomyr, bringing together football and esports fans to watch the final Major of CS2. Polissia football players were present at the event and communicated with the fans.
Hungary's opposition is demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and early elections after the release of a video showing physical abuse at a state-run juvenile detention center in Budapest. This incident occurred amid accusations of sexual abuse and the organization of a prostitution ring by the facility's former director.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's trip to Moscow on November 28. Merz recalled that after Orban's previous visit to the Kremlin in July 2024, Russia intensified airstrikes on Ukraine.
The administration of US President Donald Trump is preparing a proposal that involves recognizing Russia's control over annexed Crimea and occupied territories of Ukraine. This is part of a peace agreement being developed by US Special Representative Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
