Hungary

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed dissatisfaction with Ukraine's decision to stop gas transit from 2025. He announced Budapest's possible response and spoke against Ukraine's rapid membership in the EU.

Lviv doctors together with a Hungarian neurosurgeon performed a unique surgery on a 7-month-old girl. Thanks to a minimally invasive intervention, they managed to close the pathological vessel with a special medical glue.

Turkey's President is ready to negotiate on the transit of Russian gas to Slovakia through the Turkish Stream. Slovak Prime Minister Fico plans to send the Minister of Economy to Turkey for further talks.

Hungarian Prime Minister announces the beginning of a second wave of right-wing political changes in Europe after Trump's rise to power. Orban plans to “occupy” Brussels and lift sanctions against Russia.

Today is the inauguration of Donald Trump, after which he plans to sign about 100 executive orders. The EU is preparing for potential changes in trade, climate policy, and its position on Ukraine.

A Belgian royal decree dating back to World War II could help preserve frozen Russian assets in the event of a Hungarian veto. Orban threatens to block the extension of EU sanctions, waiting for Trump's position.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated the need to lift sanctions against Russia and expects changes with the arrival of Trump. He also called Ukraine a "serious challenge" for the European economy.

The Ukrainian president named the United States, Hungary, Slovakia, and Germany as countries that did not want Ukraine to join NATO. During a press conference with the British prime minister, he noted that each of these countries had their own reasons.

Hungary is postponing a decision on whether to extend EU sanctions against Russia until consultations with the Trump administration. Minister János Boca said that Hungary's position will depend on the US vision of the sanctions regime.

For the first time, the European Commission plans to impose sanctions against Russia without taking into account the vetoes of individual countries. Decisions on sanctions will be made by a qualified majority, not unanimously.

Since the beginning of 2024, the State Border Guard Service has reported 59,000 refusals to cross the border, mostly to men aged 18-60. Most violations are recorded on the border with Romania and Moldova, and there has been a decrease in illegal crossing attempts.

Border guards detained 8 residents of Zakarpattia while trying to illegally cross the border with Hungary. One of the offenders was a minor, and all the detainees were referred to court.

From January 4 to January 10, 2025, 508 thousand people crossed the Ukrainian border, which is 16. 9% more than the previous week. The largest flow was observed on January 4-5, when more than 105 thousand people crossed the border daily.

Slovakia's prime minister announced guaranteed supplies of 3-3. 5 billion cubic meters of Russian gas to the country. If the situation with gas transit through Ukraine does not change, he threatens to suspend aid and veto further support.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi responded to the Slovak prime minister's statements about stopping gas transit through Ukraine. He emphasized that the problem is Russia and the unwillingness of some European countries to get rid of energy dependence.

Ukraine has set an example for European countries in refusing to use Russian nuclear fuel for Soviet-designed reactors. Three EU countries already use Westinghouse fuel, and two more are preparing to switch.

KazMunayGas proposes to buy Bulgaria's only oil refinery from Russia's Lukoil. The deal could strengthen the position of Kazakh oil in Europe and double the company's refining capacity in the region.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó criticized Ukraine's decision to stop transiting Russian gas. He said that Ukraine needs the unanimous support of all member states to join the EU.

The President of Ukraine commented on Trump's statement about understanding Russia's position on Ukraine's accession to NATO. Zelenskyy emphasized that the lack of security guarantees was one of the reasons for the war.

The Verkhovna Rada registers draft law No. 12380 banning the transit of Russian energy during martial law. At the same time, a resolution was registered to stop the transit of Russian oil through Ukraine.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry denies Hungary's claims that the cessation of russian gas transit will have a negative impact on prices. Most EU countries have already adapted to the new realities, except for a few, including Hungary.

A Polish driver tried to illegally transport lemurs and birds across the Ukrainian-Polish border. After the violation was detected, he offered border guards a bribe of $1,900 and 100 euros.

Poland did not invite the Hungarian ambassador to the EU presidency ceremony because of the granting of asylum to a suspected former deputy minister. Hungarian Minister Szijjarto called the decision “pathetic and childish.

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.

Two men dressed as railroad workers and trying to illegally enter Slovakia were detained in Zakarpattia. The offenders and their guides were detained near the border fence.

Gas prices in Europe rose by 4. 3% after transit through Ukraine was cut off. Traders predict further price increases due to winter frosts and limited alternative supply routes.

The European Commission has announced that Hungary will lose its right to EU assistance due to violations of the rule of law. The country failed to fulfill the requirements for reforms to overcome corruption and conflicts of interest by the end of 2024.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine outlined three key areas of cooperation with Poland during its presidency of the EU Council. Sybiga expects an increase in military support, sanctions pressure, and acceleration of European integration.

Poland has begun its six-month presidency of the EU Council, replacing Hungary. The new presidency will focus on defense and security issues, as well as help resolve controversial issues in European legislation.

President Zelenskyy said that the Hungarian and Slovak people support Ukraine, and their authorities should recognize the truth. He emphasized the importance of European unity and warned against cooperation with Russia.