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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.

Senior Russian security official Dimitry Medvedev threatened nuclear strikes against Kyiv, Paris, and London, asserting unfounded claims that France and the UK were preparing to provide Ukraine with nuclear weapons. This statement comes as Ukraine marks the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

EU Trade Chief Maroš Šefčovič is urging MEPs to advance the EU-US trade deal, following a US request to uphold commitments. The US Supreme Court’s recent ruling on Trump’s tariffs raises concerns about the 2025 agreement’s validity.

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.

France’s feud with US Ambassador Charles Kushner escalates as tensions rise over his absence from crucial diplomatic meetings, undermining relations.

Russia anticipated that Kyiv would collapse within three days, with military experts convinced it was only a matter of time. However, as of 2026, Ukraine remains resilient against the ongoing conflict.

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.

The European Parliament, led by President Roberta Metsola, has declined a request from the far-right Patriots for Europe group for a minute of silence in memory of Quentin Deranque, due to the session’s focus on the Ukraine war. This decision is significant amid rising political tensions following Deranque’s death.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the “One Europe, One Market” strategy at the EU leaders’ summit, aiming to unify the EU market to enhance global competitiveness against the US and China within two years. This change is urgent as leaders seek to overcome market fragmentation.