Browsing: Eastern Europe News

EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING

This morning, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola signed the EU’s €90 billion support loan for Ukraine, amid misinformation regarding Hungary’s veto. Tensions continue over Hungary’s objections linked to oil supply disputes with Russia.

EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING

Zelenskyy invited the Slovak PM to Kyiv this morning to address ongoing tensions. Hungary and Slovakia have also called for inspection access to the Druzhba pipeline, prompting further discussions within the European Union.

EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will consult with Slovakia’s Robert Fico this morning regarding Ukraine and the Druzhba oil pipeline dispute. Orbán criticises Kyiv’s response following damages allegedly caused by a Russian drone strike.

EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING

Overnight, doctored videos featuring celebrities urging European leaders to pressure Ukraine for peace on Russian terms circulated on social media. The campaign has been linked to a broader influence operation targeting Ukraine.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó accused Ukraine of lying and reprimanded Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas during a tense meeting where Budapest exercised its veto powers twice, escalating tensions among EU member states supportive of Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts.

Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski condemned Hungary’s obstruction of EU support for Ukraine, describing it as an “escalation” benefitting Kremlin interests. He called for punitive measures amid concerns over EU unity and security as the situation evolves.

Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced the country’s veto of the €90 billion loan for Ukraine, prompting strong rebukes from other EU nations who view the move as disloyal during ongoing discussions about support for Ukraine.

Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Péter Szijjártó and Slovakia’s Minister of Economy Karel Hirman announced a suspension of diesel exports to Ukraine, citing Kyiv’s failure to restore the disrupted Druzhba pipeline, though the European Commission claims energy security remains unaffected.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has accused Ukraine of sabotage, stating that Hungary will block financial assistance for Kyiv until the transit of Russian oil resumes. This development is significant ahead of Hungary’s upcoming election.

UN Special Rapporteur for the Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese stated she will not resign despite calls from France and Germany following her comments on Israel. Albanese asserts she has the full backing of the UN Human Rights Council and aims to redirect focus to her findings on state support for Israel.