Slovakia
Hungary and Slovakia have approached the European Commission regarding the possibility of purchasing Russian oil via sea routes. The Hungarian company MOL has already ordered the first batches, which are expected to arrive in early March.
The Slovak government has declared an emergency in the oil sector. This happened due to damage to the Druzhba oil pipeline in Ukraine, which led to the cessation of oil supplies.
The European Commission has confirmed contacts with Ukraine regarding the repair of the "Druzhba" oil pipeline, which is hindering the supply of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. These countries have 90-day reserve stocks, which eliminates short-term risks to supply security.
Slovakia is modernizing Cold War-era nuclear shelters, despite Prime Minister Fico's statements that there is no threat from Russia. An audit revealed the critical condition of most structures, and demand for private bunkers is growing.
Slovakia plans to acquire four more F-16V Block 70/72 Viper fighter jets to strengthen its air defense. This decision is related to the transfer of its entire fleet of MiG-29s to Ukraine.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković rejected Hungary's and Slovakia's request for Russian oil transit, accusing Budapest of manipulation. Hungary called Croatia an "unreliable transit country" seeking a monopoly.
Hungary and Slovakia have approached Croatia regarding the transportation of Russian oil via the Adriatic pipeline. This decision is due to the cessation of transit through the Ukrainian branch of the Druzhba oil pipeline after Russian attacks.
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.
Slovakia and Hungary have reported disruptions in oil supply via the Druzhba pipeline. Hungary blames Ukraine, while Ukraine denies the accusations, citing Russian attacks.
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.
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.
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.
Today, an additional 9 MW of capacity is planned to be launched in Kyiv. This will help stabilize the electricity supply after Russian attacks.
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini considers the transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine a mistake, as the country did not have a full replacement for them. He refuted claims that the aircraft were unusable.
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.
In Kyiv, 63 teams are working on restoring power grids, and over 220 teams are restoring heat supply. NJSC "Naftogaz" is ready to provide another 40 teams of specialists.
The US Department of Justice has released millions of pages of documents from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, detailing his connections with influential figures, including Steve Bannon and Elon Musk. These files have caused political uproar and led to the resignations of high-ranking officials in various countries.
Slovak Prime Minister's advisor Miroslav Lajčák resigned after correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein was made public. Robert Fico accepted the resignation, defending Lajčák and criticizing the media.
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.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico denied a Politico report about his concerns over Donald Trump's condition. He called the article "a lie" and stated that he did not speak at the summit where he allegedly made such assessments.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed concern about Donald Trump's "psychological state" after their meeting on January 17. Fico called Trump "dangerous," which shocked European diplomats.
Hungary and Slovakia will challenge the EU's ban on Russian gas imports in court. The countries state that this contradicts their national interests.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that the peace plan for Ukraine envisages its accession to the European Union on January 1, 2027. However, he noted that some EU member states, including Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia, would not agree to this.
According to the source, the 80-year-old former coach of Donetsk "Shakhtar" and Kyiv "Dynamo" suffered from a cold this winter. Despite Lucescu undergoing intensive treatment, his health failed him.
The driver of the Košice-Svaliava regular bus tried to break through the border in Uzhhorod to avoid detention. The 49-year-old man was wanted and fled to Slovakia, leaving the bus.
MEPs will vote on providing Ukraine with a €90 billion support loan at the next plenary session. This instrument will provide military and budgetary support, as well as support Ukraine's defense industry.
Increased electricity imports from the EU do not guarantee overcoming the consequences of blackouts due to limited volumes and high costs. Expert Yuriy Korolchuk explains that the maximum import volume is 2.45 GW, with the main volumes occurring during night hours when the price is lower.
Countries that have been waiting for years to join the EU are divided over plans to become members without full voting rights. Some insist on all the benefits, while others are happy to be at the negotiating table.
Hungarian energy company Mol Nyrt. is nearing a takeover of Serbia's sole oil refinery as U.S. sanctions force Russia's Gazprom Neft PJSC to sell its controlling stake. Hungary will ask U.S. authorities to lift sanctions on the Serbian refinery.