Political scientist Oleh Lisnyi emphasizes that all discussions about the US peace plan revolve around rumors. He also points out that Ukraine's position remains unchanged.
The 2026 BMW iX3 electric crossover, the first representative of the Neue Klasse, traveled over 1000 km from Debrecen to Munich without recharging. The BMW team arrived in Munich with over 20 km of range remaining, proving the real capabilities of the electric vehicle.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is considering suing the EU over plans to stop Russian gas supplies from 2028. Slovakia and Hungary criticize these plans due to their dependence on Russian energy carriers and fears of economic consequences.
Ukraine plans to demand $43 billion in climate damage compensation from Russia to fund an environmentally sound post-war recovery. This was announced at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil, citing a report that estimates greenhouse gas emissions from the invasion at 236.8 million tons of CO2 equivalent.
Ukraine expects the first gas supplies via the Greek route in January 2026, which is more expensive than the Polish LNG terminal. This route, although flexible, requires cooperation with five operators.
The European Commission plans to continue negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU at the working group level, even without the unanimous support of all member states. The Hungarian veto will not affect the overall decision, although the opening of negotiating clusters is currently not possible.
European leaders will gather on December 18 for the last EU summit in 2025 to address Ukraine's funding, aiming to avoid a funding shortfall by mid-next year. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for coordinated action, warning of costly alternatives.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban cynically responded to the letter from the President of the European Commission regarding aid to Ukraine. He compared the initiative to "helping an alcoholic by sending him another crate of vodka."
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council, stated that modern Russia is incapable of compromise because its elites depend on war. He emphasized that only the destruction of the current Russian elite will guarantee peace in Europe.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that there is no threat of a Russian attack on EU or NATO countries. He also criticized the European Union's position on supporting Ukraine, believing that time is working for the Russians.
Russia's fossil fuel exports in October fell to their lowest levels since the start of the full-scale war, amounting to 524 million euros per day. This is 4% less than in September, due to Ukrainian attacks and international sanctions.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that Ukrainians and Russians do not seek peace, therefore external forces must persuade them to make peace. He noted that the EU has leverage over Kyiv, but the West cannot convince Russia, which seeks to occupy all of Ukraine.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that Ukraine could join the EU in the early 2030s. For this to happen, the country must overcome corruption and adhere to all necessary procedures.
Hungary has decided to allocate its share from the European Peace Facility (€1. 5 million) to support the Lebanese armed forces. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that this is in line with Hungary's national security interests and the maintenance of peace in the Middle East.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that his government would challenge the EU's plan to end Russian energy imports by the end of 2027. Orbán considers this plan a violation of European law and an attempt to circumvent the right of veto on sanctions.
Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Oksen Lisovyi signed an order to dismiss former MP-bribe-taker Andriy Odarchenko from the post of rector of the State Biotechnological University. The Ministry of Education and Science claims that the rector was dismissed in 2024, but the facts indicate that the dismissal took place recently.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban publicly criticized the Ukrainian authorities over corruption scandals in the energy sector. Official Kyiv quickly reacted, stating that Ukraine does not need "lectures on corruption" from Orban.
The White House confirmed Hungary's exemption from US sanctions on the construction of new nuclear power units by the Russian corporation Rosatom.
Eurostat has published data for the first half of 2025, showing a significant gap in electricity and natural gas prices between European countries. Some countries pay several times more than their neighbors.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that the Russian-American summit in Budapest is being postponed due to a territorial issue, but will still take place. He also mentioned the 2022 Istanbul Agreement, which, according to him, was "sabotaged by the Anglo-Saxons."
The Ministry of Education and Science plans to dismiss about 50 rectors across Ukraine to renew leadership. However, the Ministry of Education and Science has not yet terminated the contract with ex-MP Andriy Odarchenko, convicted of bribery, who retains influence over the State Biotechnological University.
Sergei Lavrov risks losing his post as Russian Foreign Minister if he fails to prevent the strengthening of the US position in relations with Russia. The recorded absence of the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry at important events may indicate disapproval in the Kremlin of the "deterioration" of relations with the Trump administration.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has raised the budget deficit target due to election spending. Additional funding will be raised through bank taxes and foreign currency bond issuance.
The European Commission has begun establishing a new intelligence body to improve the use of information from national intelligence services. The unit, being formed within the European Commission's Secretariat-General, will recruit staff from the EU intelligence community.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković stated that Hungary's claims about the Janaf pipeline's inability to replace Russian oil are false. He emphasized that Janaf has sufficient capacity to supply all necessary crude oil to Hungarian and Slovak refineries.
The European Union has imposed a ban on Russian oil imports, making exceptions for Hungary and Slovakia for their energy security. Brussels wants to completely abandon Russian energy carriers by the end of 2027.
Andriy Odarchenko, sentenced to 8 years in prison and hiding abroad, continues to control the State Biotechnological University through the administration. The Ministry of Education and Science does not terminate Odarchenko's contract, and the Supervisory Board of the SBU ignores corruption and salary arrears.
Education Minister Oksen Lisovyi extended the powers of Andriy Kudryashov, acting rector of the State Biotechnological University. He is under the influence of bribe-taking MP Andriy Odarchenko.
The planned increase in VAT in Russia to 22% from 2026 will not provide the expected revenues, but on the contrary, will lead to a decrease in revenues by 6. 1 billion US dollars. This will increase inflationary pressure, reduce domestic demand, and increase the cost of government borrowing.
Brent crude futures rose to $64. 08 a barrel, and US WTI crude to $60.23. This happened amid expectations of a quick end to the US shutdown, which could increase oil demand.