Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and foreign ministers from four EU countries have arrived in Kyiv to commemorate the anniversary of the Bucha massacre, joining other EU foreign policy officials to express unwavering support for Ukraine and reiterate commitment to holding Russia accountable for its crimes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Bulgaria's Acting Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov have signed a bilateral security cooperation agreement during Gyurov's visit to Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for blocking a €90 billion EU loan, an action taken just days before the Hungarian election.
An Atlantic Council researcher has offered advice on how to maintain international attention on Ukraine amidst the ongoing war in the Middle East, suggesting strategic use of informational narratives and demonstrating military capabilities.
Hundreds have rallied in the West Bank against Israel's new death penalty law, which human rights groups are calling 'cruel' and discriminatory against Palestinians, with the EU, Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez, and Jordan also expressing 'great concern' and condemning it as a 'step towards apartheid'. Concerns are also being raised about the Israeli right's sudden focus on settler violence, which some critics label as 'fake news' to distract from the new law.
A leaked call from August 2024 reportedly reveals Hungarian and Russian foreign ministers discussing EU sanctions, with a reminder to Hungary about a promise. Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk have since sharply criticised the Hungarian government, agreeing that this affair signals Hungary's political dependence on Moscow and raises justified fears for Europe.
Cyprus Energy Minister Michael Damianos stressed the need for the EU to bolster its energy supply security and competitiveness, stating that the bloc is exposed to external price volatility in its energy acquisition after a meeting of EU energy ministers.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has reacted to newly leaked recordings of conversations with Russian leaders, including Sergey Lavrov, where he reportedly promises to fulfill Moscow's requests regarding EU sanctions, further detailing the ongoing scandal. Szijjártó stated that he said nothing in the leaked phone call that he hadn't already said publicly, but acknowledged the leak itself as a major scandal.
Audio recordings and an investigation allege that Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó acted in Russia's interests by lobbying against EU sanctions at Moscow's request, causing diplomatic shock. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized Hungarian leaders for 'leaving Europe,' and now Czech President Petr Pavel is calling for a reevaluation of relations with Hungary, deeming the sharing of sensitive information with Russia unacceptable.
Insurers are set to appeal a significant billion-dollar ruling concerning jets that were stranded in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, marking one of London's most substantial insurance disputes.
