Hungary

According to media reports, EU-US talks on combating evasion of sanctions against Russia have failed. An EU special representative announced a break in communications with the American side.

Artifacts of the Tlacotepehua culture, which disappeared over 500 years ago, have been discovered in the Tlayocok cave in Mexico. They were likely used in fertility rituals.

Friedrich Merz stated that the EU will not allow a minority to block decisions. He emphasized that there are instruments of influence, including the cessation of funding.

The Prime Minister of Hungary stated that the EU's plan to ban energy imports from Russia must be prevented. Hungary and Slovakia oppose a complete ban.

When traveling in Europe, take care of your health insurance. Gather a first-aid kit with medicines and buy labeled products.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Georgiy Tikhiy called for an end to Soviet nostalgia, emphasizing that the collapse of the USSR was a moment of hope. Earlier, Putin's advisor stated that the USSR allegedly still exists from a legal point of view.

On May 27, the EU Council will discuss the suspension of Hungary's voting rights due to violations of EU values. This is the eighth hearing within the framework of the procedure initiated by the European Parliament in 2018.

Russian military intelligence hacked security cameras on EU borders, stole passwords and conducted cyberattacks to disrupt the supply of Western aid to Ukraine, British intelligence reports.

26 MEPs called on Brussels to freeze funding for Hungary due to restrictions on freedoms, undermining democracy and ignoring EU values. The letter was signed by representatives of several factions of the European Parliament.

Andriy Sybiha called for increased pressure on Russia to achieve peace and offered Hungary to resume consultations. He stressed the importance of defense support for Ukraine.

Hungarian special services reported the discovery of two more alleged "Ukrainian spies" who were allegedly collecting information to discredit Hungary and change its policy towards Ukraine.

Andriy Sybiga stated that Hungary is the only country blocking the opening of clusters for Ukraine's accession to the EU. He offered Hungary consultations and additional funding for the defense sector in the amount of 15 billion euros.

European Commissioner Kos stated that opening the first cluster of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU may help resolve disagreements with Hungary. Ukraine has fulfilled all the requirements for opening the cluster.

The Hungarian Parliament has supported a bill on the country's withdrawal from the ICC. This happened after the Orbán government declared the court politicized, shortly after Netanyahu's visit.

The Prime Minister of Hungary stated that Ukraine's accession to the EU poses a threat, as Kyiv needs money and could drag his country into the war. He also criticized anti-Russian sanctions.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the possibility of holding a referendum on the abolition of sanctions against Russia. He believes that the sanctions harm Europe, not Russia.

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.

Ukraine and the European Commission are discussing trade conditions after June 5. The goal is to agree on a transitional period of visa-free trade before amendments are made to the Association Agreement.

European supporters of Ukraine are preparing for increased sanctions against Vladimir Putin due to his refusal to participate in negotiations regarding Ukraine in Turkey.

The European Union is considering restoring quotas on imports of Ukrainian wheat, corn, barley, poultry and eggs from June to December. The restrictions were lifted in 2022 to support Ukraine.

Hungarian media reported that air defense systems shot down drones, but the Ministry of Defense denied information about a Ukrainian drone. Ukraine has not yet commented on the incident.

Orban's party is proposing a law that would allow blacklisting organizations that receive foreign funding if they are deemed a "threat" to sovereignty. It is reminiscent of the Russian law on "foreign agents".

On May 16 and 17, 2025, the checkpoints "Uzhhorod – Vysne Nemecke" and "Chop – Zahony" will be temporarily suspended. The reason is the connection of backup power systems.

The EU plans to introduce higher duties on Ukrainian imports, abolishing special trade measures. The new restrictions will affect, in particular, corn, sugar, honey and poultry.

Sanctions may affect the energy, shipping and banking sectors of the Russian Federation. It all depends on the Kremlin's behavior at the summit between Ukraine and Russia.

Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the agreement of the 17th package of EU sanctions against Russia. It provides for restrictions on access to battlefield technologies and 189 vessels of the "shadow fleet".

A fake is being spread online about Hungary's plans to "reclaim" Ukrainian territories as part of Operation Turul. This is part of Russia's strategy to fuel conflict between countries.

Viktor Orbán announced an unprecedented intelligence operation by Ukrainian special services. He convened the Defense Council and accused Ukraine of a smear campaign.

The European Union is discussing how to avoid Hungary blocking negotiations on Ukraine's accession. Brussels is looking for ways to circumvent the veto needed to open and conclude negotiations.

The new package of EU sanctions, announced as "tough", reportedly does not go beyond the previous 16th. The package does not include controversial proposals amid fears of a veto by Hungary or Slovakia.