During the European Council summit on Thursday, EU leaders welcomed the Ukrainian president to Brussels, showing support for the West’s ally as Ukraine gets ready for an anticipated Russian offensive.
The Hungarian Prime Minister was put under scrutiny for not applauding the Ukrainian President—however, he was not the only one, as some Western journalists and politicians have claimed.
‘The report highlights Europe’s growing strategic weakness relative to Asia and the United States, pointing to persistent failures in innovation, a deep aversion to risk, and a regulatory mindset…According to the report, the heavy emphasis on procurement rules and compliance does not foster the technological breakthroughs required for modern warfare.’
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met in the Kremlin on Friday for their 14th bilateral talks, focusing on energy security, the war in Ukraine and future relations. Orbán reaffirmed that Hungary’s energy supply will continue to rely on Russian deliveries and said Budapest remains ready to host eventual peace talks.
Viktor Orbán flew to Moscow early Friday, saying Hungary must guarantee affordable Russian gas and oil for the coming winter and beyond. Speaking at Budapest Airport, he stressed that Hungary’s energy security depends on pipeline deliveries from Russia—and noted that peace efforts would almost certainly feature in his meeting with Vladimir Putin.
A breakthrough in Ukraine’s peace efforts may bring diplomacy to Budapest, after President Zelenskyy said Kyiv is ready to advance a US-backed framework and Donald Trump signalled talks are nearing completion. With Viktor Orbán reportedly preparing a Moscow visit, the long-planned Budapest peace summit could finally materialize.
‘While Hungary called for more oversight and transparency, the European Parliament’s majority actively undermined these attempts.’
‘Ternopil is no longer merely a city in western Ukraine. It has become an unexpected and dramatic frontline in this brutal conflict. This tragedy is a stark reminder that civilian infrastructure is vulnerable and that civilians bear the brunt of war…War is never far from everyday life.’
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán praised US President Donald Trump’s newly unveiled 28-point peace plan for ending the war in Ukraine, calling it proof of Trump’s determination to secure a settlement. Orbán contrasted Washington’s diplomatic push with Brussels’ renewed efforts to secure additional funding for Kyiv.
Hungary’s FM Péter Szijjártó slammed EU ministers in Brussels as ‘insane’ over Ukraine, criticizing their support for Kyiv despite a major corruption scandal. He called for accountability on aid, warned the war is ‘unwinnable’ for the Ukrainians, and urged Brussels leadership to back President Trump’s peace efforts.