Hungary
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.
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.
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.
Slovakia and Hungary have reported disruptions in oil supply via the Druzhba pipeline. Hungary blames Ukraine, while Ukraine denies the accusations, citing Russian attacks.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha considers talks about fixing the date of Ukraine's accession to the EU, previously mentioned as 2027, to be realistic. Ukraine is working to overcome the Hungarian veto, emphasizing a common path with Moldova.
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.
The Ukrainian national football team will play in Group B2 of the 2026/2027 Nations League against Hungary, Georgia, and Northern Ireland. The tournament is linked to Euro 2028 qualification.
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.
Hungarian opposition party Tisza leader Péter Magyar stated that Viktor Orban plans to leak his intimate videos, calling it "blackmail in the style of Russia. " Magyar claims that many journalists received a link to a video where he is with his ex-girlfriend.
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.
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker stated the need to make energy costs the top priority of the EU leaders' summit. High energy tariffs threaten the competitiveness of the industrial sector.
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 Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó supported the illegal smuggling of Ukrainian men across the border, stating that mobilization hinders the end of the war. He mentioned the detention of a Hungarian who helped Ukrainians leave illegally and emphasized the need to stop forced conscription.
US President Donald Trump will hold the first official meeting of the Peace Council in Washington on February 19. This council is a key element of his 20-point plan, which helped achieve a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
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.
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.
The lower house of the Czech parliament rejected the opposition's proposal to dismiss the coalition led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. The attempt to declare a vote of no confidence garnered only 84 votes, allowing the current cabinet to remain in power.
The EU Council has approved a legal framework for providing Ukraine with financial support of 90 billion euros, with the exception of the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia. The funds will be directed to budget support and defense needs, and the first payment is expected in early Q2.
Hungary has filed a lawsuit with the EU Court, demanding the annulment of the RePower regulation, which prohibits the import of Russian energy carriers. The Hungarian government claims that a ban on energy imports is only possible with unanimous sanctions.
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.
The European Commission confirmed discussions on Ukraine's future accession to the EU in the context of peace negotiations. Spokesperson Guillaume Mercier stated that Ukraine has made steady progress and is moving very well.
On January 30, the draw for the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 season playoffs took place in Switzerland. The matches will be held on February 19 and 26, and the winners will advance to the round of 16.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine will be technically ready to join the EU by 2027. He stated that by the end of 2026, Ukraine will have completed the main steps required for membership.
The European Union plans to provide Ukraine with the first tranche of financial assistance within the framework of a new 90 billion euro loan package in April. This assistance is designed for 2026-2027, of which 60 billion euros will go to military needs, and 30 billion euros - to budget support.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas confirmed that Ukraine's future is linked to the EU, but enlargement is viewed geopolitically. She emphasized the need for political will and tangible results for new countries to join.
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.