Hungary

The Ukrainian youth national team was drawn into Group H of the Euro 2027 (U-21) qualifiers. Their opponents are Croatia, Hungary, Turkey, and Lithuania.

The economic crisis in Hungary threatens Viktor Orban's victory in the 2026 elections. High inflation, falling living standards, and a declining birth rate are undermining the Fidesz party's position.

The leader of the Fidesz faction reported on the warnings of the special services regarding the Ukrainian campaign to discredit Orban. According to him, Ukraine has spent considerable money on spreading false materials through the media.

In Zakarpattia region, a truck with 13 men who were trying to illegally leave for Hungary under a layer of sand was detained. For the attempt to cross the border, each had to pay from 8 to 10 thousand dollars.

“Trabzonspor has officially announced the transfer of Shakhtar winger Oleksandr Zubkov for €6 million. The Ukrainian footballer's contract runs until the summer of 2029, and he will play under the number 22 shirt.

The Hungarian prime minister announced his intention to maintain all business relations with Russia, despite the EU's opposition. Orban claims that Russian energy is vital for Hungary's economy.

The Hungarian prime minister said that without negotiations, Ukraine would become the “Afghanistan of the EU. ” He also emphasized that a Ukrainian victory is impossible without sending Western troops to Ukraine.

The Hungarian prime minister refused to express his personal position on Russian aggression, referring to the official position of the EU. He also said that the Ukrainian victory is impossible without direct intervention of Western troops.

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.

Hungarian Prime Minister Orban announced a possible veto of EU sanctions against Russia in 6 months if gas transit does not resume. Hungary received guarantees from the EU to resume transit.

The European Commission has officially denied information about the possibility of resuming purchases of Russian gas in exchange for peace talks. The spokesperson for the EC President confirmed the course of refusal from Russian gas.

Russia's sovereign wealth fund will be exhausted in early 2026 at current military spending levels. Russia is actively seeking support from the EU to resume energy purchases and ease sanctions.

Yevhenia Blyzniuk explained that the government should develop separate incentive packages for different groups of refugees. According to her, the easiest way to return Ukrainians from Poland, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria is through logistical proximity.

European officials are discussing the possibility of resuming imports of Russian pipeline gas as part of a peace settlement. Germany and Hungary support the initiative to reduce energy prices.

The EU plans to add 35 individuals and 19 companies from Russia, the DPRK and China to the sanctions list. The new package will include prohibitive duties on fertilizers and certain agri-food products.

The EU plans a phased ban on imports of Russian aluminum and to disconnect 15 banks from SWIFT. The new package of sanctions will also include restrictions on 70 ships of the “shadow fleet”.

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas commented on possible obstacles to Ukraine's accession to the EU from Hungary. She emphasized that despite the complexity of decision-making, the EU always reaches consensus.

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.

EU foreign ministers decided to suspend the visa-free regime for holders of Georgian diplomatic passports. Slovakia and Hungary opposed the decision, but it was passed by a qualified majority.

EU foreign ministers have decided to extend sanctions against Russia for six months. According to Kaja Kallas, this will continue to deprive Moscow of revenues to finance the war.

The EU has agreed to extend sanctions against Russia for 6 months after Hungary lifted the “reserve”. Budapest has received guarantees on energy security and negotiations with Ukraine on energy transit, the media reports.

The EU plans to extend sanctions against Russia, and Hungary will stop its resistance to this decision. In exchange, the EU will provide guarantees for the bloc's energy security.

Hungary is ready to give up blocking EU sanctions against Russia in exchange for a statement on energy security. EU diplomats expect a compromise to be reached at today's meeting.

Representatives of Hungary did not sign the joint appeal of the EU countries to not recognize the presidential election in Belarus. Slovakia also refused at first, but then joined the statement.

Turkey is seeking to resume energy negotiations with the EU and become an alternative route for gas supplies. The country could expand the Southern Gas Corridor and connect it to Mediterranean gas.

Polish Prime Minister Tusk says that Orban's blocking of sanctions against Russia will show that he belongs to Putin's “team. ” Orban demands that Ukraine resume gas transit in exchange for supporting the sanctions.

The EU will not include a ban on Russian LNG imports in the new sanctions package. Instead, it will present a roadmap for a gradual phase-out of Russian energy by 2027.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban says he will not support sanctions against Russia until Ukraine resumes gas transit. Ukraine stopped transiting Russian gas on January 1, 2025.

EU gas stocks have fallen to 58. 5% compared to 74% last year.

The EU is facing a new confrontation over Orban's refusal to sign the extension of sanctions against Russia. The Hungarian prime minister criticizes the sanctions regime and calls for the resumption of relations with Russia without restrictions.