Hungary Plays the Spoiler in Europe, as Orban Seeks Votes at Home

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is currently blocking a significant European Union loan intended for Ukraine. This action coincides with Orban facing a strong challenge in upcoming Hungarian elections. Analysts suggest the timing is strategic, aimed at bolstering Orban's support within Hungary. By obstructing the EU loan, Orban is seen as appealing to his domestic base. The situation highlights Hungary's role as a potential obstacle within the EU regarding aid to Ukraine. The delay in the loan disbursement has implications for Ukraine's financial stability amid ongoing conflict.

The UK Parliament is set to debate the release of documents concerning Prince Andrew's appointment as a UK trade envoy. A government minister has indicated that the government will likely not prevent MPs from voting to publish these documents. Separately, Keir Starmer acknowledged the resilience of the Ukrainian people, noting the initial expectation of a swift Russian victory four years ago. He recounted his visit to a Kyiv hospital and a primary school, highlighting the severe injuries and loss experienced by Ukrainians due to the conflict. Starmer urged people to combat the false narrative of Russia winning the war.

EU diplomats are working to overcome Hungary's threat to derail a new package of sanctions against Russia. The diplomatic efforts took place at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday, February 23, 2026. Hungary's Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, has voiced opposition to the proposed sanctions, creating a challenge for the EU to maintain a united front against Russia. The specific reasons for Hungary's opposition were not detailed in this summary. The EU is attempting to find a solution that will allow the sanctions to proceed despite Hungary's concerns.

On Sunday, just before the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion, Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack targeting Ukrainian infrastructure. The attacks, which began around 4:00 am, impacted energy and rail infrastructure, as well as residential buildings across Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia launched approximately 50 missiles and 300 drones. One man was killed and a dozen people were wounded, including four children, in and around Kyiv. Rescuers were seen searching through the debris of damaged buildings in the Kyiv region. Zelensky condemned the attacks, stating that Russia is prioritizing strikes over diplomacy.

On the eve of the fourth anniversary of the war, Russian attacks in Ukraine killed at least four people on Monday, February 23, 2026. Two deaths occurred in the Odesa region due to drone strikes targeting industrial, energy, and civilian infrastructure. In Zaporizhzhia, two more were killed during over 750 attacks on 44 settlements. A missile also struck Kharkiv's Kholodnogirsky district, with damage assessment underway. Both sides claim to have downed numerous drones. EU foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels to discuss a new loan for Kyiv and a 20th package of sanctions against Russia.

In Lviv, western Ukraine, a 23-year-old female police officer was killed and 25 people were injured in what Ukrainian officials are calling a terror attack. Two homemade explosive devices, planted in waste bins, detonated after police responded to a reported break-in early Sunday. A 33-year-old Ukrainian woman was detained as a suspect, with police stating she acted on the instructions of a Russian special services agent. The explosions occurred in the city center, with the first blast happening upon the arrival of a police car and a second when another crew arrived. The incident is being investigated as an act of terrorism. Separately, Ukraine faced overnight Russian strikes targeting the energy sector, residential buildings, and railways, resulting in at least one death in the Kyiv region.

In February 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding ongoing peace negotiations with Russia. The conversation, which included U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, preceded a meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Geneva. Discussions covered topics for the Geneva meeting, preparations for trilateral talks with Russian officials expected in early March, and a potential prisoner swap. Zelenskyy hopes the upcoming trilateral meeting will facilitate leaders-level talks with Russia to resolve complex issues and end the war. Separately, Russian economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev will also be in Geneva to meet with U.S. negotiators on economic issues.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump spoke on Wednesday, agreeing that upcoming trilateral talks with Russia in March should pave the way for a meeting of the countries' leaders. Zelensky stated the goal is to resolve complex issues and end the war. The US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner also participated in the phone call. The conversation occurred before a separate meeting between Ukrainian and US negotiators to discuss post-war reconstruction. Zelensky thanked the US for its active involvement in the peace process and for providing missiles for air defense.

Envoys from Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to meet in Geneva, Switzerland on Tuesday and Wednesday for US-led negotiations. The talks occur days before the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s national security and defence council chief, will lead the Ukrainian delegation. Vladimir Medinsky, an advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, will head the Russian team. These negotiations follow two previous rounds of talks held in the United Arab Emirates. The purpose of the talks is to address the ongoing conflict between the two nations, even as military strikes continue.

US-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Geneva ended without a major breakthrough, prolonging a war entering its fifth year. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy accused Russia of stalling the process, citing unresolved issues like the status of Russian-occupied territories and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. While military discussions were constructive regarding a potential ceasefire, political disagreements persist. Russia's negotiator described the talks as difficult but businesslike, indicating further rounds are planned. Key sticking points include Russia's demand for Ukraine to cede territory in the east, which Kyiv rejects, and Ukraine's need for security guarantees from Western allies before any territorial compromise. Zelenskyy emphasized that the Ukrainian public would not accept a peace deal requiring unilateral withdrawal from the Donbas.

Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia met in Geneva on Tuesday for US-mediated peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. The talks, following two prior rounds in Abu Dhabi, are focused on security and humanitarian issues. US President Donald Trump is urging both sides to reach a swift agreement, though Ukraine's President Zelensky has expressed concerns about pressure to make concessions. Despite ongoing discussions, including military representatives, a breakthrough has yet to be achieved. The meeting occurred against a backdrop of renewed Russian air strikes across Ukraine, including significant damage to Odesa's power network.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has threatened to cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine if it does not resume pumping Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline within two days. Oil flows were halted after a reported Russian drone strike in late January 2026. Slovakia and Hungary, both reliant on Russian oil, are demanding Ukraine resume deliveries. Fico accused Ukrainian President Zelenskyy of acting maliciously towards Slovakia, citing previous gas supply disruptions and Slovakia's refusal to participate in a 90 billion euro military loan for Ukraine. Slovakia is a key electricity provider for Ukraine, which has suffered damage to its grid from Russian attacks. The ultimatum highlights tensions between Slovakia and Ukraine amidst ongoing debates over EU financial aid to Ukraine.

On Saturday, Ukrainian drones struck an industrial site in Russia's Udmurt Republic, wounding 11 people. While regional head Alexander Brechalov confirmed the attack and resulting damage, he did not identify the specific site. However, a Russian news channel, Astra, reported the target was the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant, a key state-owned missile factory that produces Iskander and intercontinental ballistic missiles. The attack, which occurred over 1,400 kilometers from Ukraine, prompted the suspension of operations at the Udmurt Republic's main airport and others nearby. This strike follows unsuccessful U.S.-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine held in Switzerland earlier in the week, as the fourth anniversary of the war approaches.

Russian army chief Valery Gerasimov visited troops in Ukraine and announced that Russian forces had seized 12 villages in eastern Ukraine during the first two weeks of February 2026. The announcement, made by the defense ministry, comes ahead of US-mediated talks in Geneva aimed at ending the nearly four-year war. Gerasimov noted the advances occurred despite severe winter conditions. While the pace of Russia's advance has increased since autumn, they have yet to achieve their goal of capturing the entire Donetsk region. Russia is demanding Kyiv withdraw from Donetsk as a condition for ending the conflict, a demand Ukraine rejects.

Hungary is posing an obstacle to the European Union's plan to loan 90 billion euros to Ukraine. During a meeting of ambassadors on Friday, Hungary raised an objection, delaying the plan to fund the loan by issuing debt backed by the EU budget. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that Hungary is blocking the loan until oil transit to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline resumes, accusing Ukraine of blackmail by halting oil transit in coordination with Brussels. The Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Russian crude oil to Hungary and Slovakia, is experiencing disruptions. The move comes as Ukraine urgently needs funding and ahead of an April election in Hungary. The EU requires unanimous approval from all 27 member nations to proceed with the loan.

Hungary has threatened to block a 90 billion euro EU loan to Ukraine, citing halted oil shipments via the Druzhba pipeline. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto accused Ukraine of "blackmail" and violating the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement after oil flows stopped on January 27th, reportedly due to a Russian drone attack. Hungary and Slovakia, reliant on Druzhba for Russian oil, have blamed Ukraine for delaying the restart of flows. To address the shortage, Hungary announced it would tap into its strategic oil reserves, though Croatia's JANAF pipeline operator stated that there was no need to do so as they are transporting non-Russian oil for MOL Group.

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the former army chief of Ukraine and now ambassador to the United Kingdom, has revealed a rift between himself and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In an interview with the Associated Press in London on February 2, 2026, Zaluzhnyi, who is seen as a potential political rival to Zelenskyy, discussed the previously unseen tensions. The article suggests the disagreement may stem from differing views on the direction of the war and potentially, political ambitions. The revelation comes after Zaluzhnyi was removed from his position as army chief in February 2024. The details of the rift and its potential impact on Ukraine's political landscape remain to be seen.

Russia launched missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities overnight amid stalled peace talks. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that Russia is hesitant to engage in another round of US-brokered negotiations, proposed to be held in Miami or Abu Dhabi next week. While Ukraine has confirmed its attendance, the Kremlin indicated that talks are expected "soon" without providing specifics. These developments occur as a US-led peace effort faces a June deadline, with disagreements over occupied territories in the Donbas region and Russian demands for further territorial concessions hindering a comprehensive settlement after four years of conflict.

On Thursday, February 12, 2026, Russia launched a barrage of missiles and drones at Ukrainian cities. This occurred as the possibility of another round of US-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine remained uncertain. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine had agreed to attend proposed negotiations in either Miami or Abu Dhabi, but Russia was hesitant. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that talks were expected "soon" without providing specifics. The US government has not commented on the potential for further negotiations, which are part of an ongoing peace effort. Zelenskyy previously stated that the US has set a June deadline for a deal between the two countries.

On day 1,445 of the Russia-Ukraine war, February 8, 2026, Russia launched over 400 drones and 40 missiles targeting Ukraine's power grid, hitting thermal power stations and distribution lines, leaving over 1,000 apartment buildings in Kyiv without heating. Poland briefly suspended operations at two airports near the Ukrainian border due to the strikes. Ukraine retaliated by striking an oil depot in Russia's Saratov region, a missile fuel component plant in the Tver region, and the Bryansk region, causing damage and power disruptions. Russia claimed to have captured the village of Chuhunivka in Ukraine's Kharkiv region. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Ukrainian nuclear power plants reduced output due to the military activity affecting electrical substations.

Russian and Ukrainian envoys will meet in Geneva next week, February 17-18, for US-brokered talks aimed at finding a resolution to the ongoing war. This round of negotiations follows two previous meetings in Abu Dhabi and comes as the conflict approaches its fourth year. The primary sticking point remains the future of the Donbas region, with Russia demanding Ukraine withdraw from the portion of Donetsk it still controls. Ukraine seeks Western security guarantees to prevent future Russian offensives. The US has reportedly given both sides a June deadline to reach an agreement. The conflict, which began in 2022, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of military and civilian casualties.

As Ukraine prepares for upcoming peace talks, Ukrainian officials report increased pressure from the Trump administration to make concessions to Russia, aiming to end the war by early summer. President Zelensky expressed frustration that the U.S. is pressing Ukraine harder than Russia, but acknowledges the need to maintain American engagement, especially with the approaching midterm elections potentially shifting U.S. focus. Zelensky stated that the U.S. desires to halt the war by June, and that the Trump administration was "likely to put pressure on the parties according to that timeline.” Ukraine is sending a delegation to Florida for talks next week, though Russian participation is uncertain. The U.S. strategy remains unclear if Ukraine doesn't concede on issues like territory and elections.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the U.S. has set a June deadline for Ukraine and Russia to reach an agreement to end their nearly four-year war. According to Zelenskyy, the U.S. intends to pressure both sides to meet this deadline, with potential trilateral talks to be held in the U.S. next week. Zelenskyy also mentioned that Russia presented the U.S. with a $12 trillion economic proposal. Meanwhile, Russian strikes targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure intensified, forcing nuclear power plants to reduce output and causing widespread power outages across the country. The attacks involved hundreds of drones and missiles and targeted energy grids, generation facilities, and distribution networks.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the US has set a June deadline for Ukraine and Russia to reach a peace agreement to end their nearly four-year war. Zelenskyy stated that the US is likely to put pressure on both parties to meet this timeline. The Trump administration has also proposed a new round of trilateral talks in Miami next week, which Ukraine has confirmed it will attend. These developments follow US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi that yielded little progress, with Russia demanding Ukraine withdraw from the Donbas region, a condition Kyiv rejects. Despite the lack of a breakthrough, both sides recently agreed to exchange 157 prisoners of war each, and Zelenskyy indicated that prisoner swaps will continue.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the U.S. is proposing a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war by June, potentially influenced by upcoming U.S. midterm elections. Zelensky indicated that the next round of peace talks could occur in about a week, following a proposed energy truce. The U.S. has advised both Ukraine and Russia to halt strikes on energy targets as a de-escalation measure, which Ukraine has accepted. However, shortly after Zelensky's comments, Russian forces launched a missile and drone barrage targeting Ukraine's power grid, leaving much of western Ukraine without essential services.

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, including high-voltage transmission lines, power plants, and substations, causing widespread emergency outages. The strikes, involving hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, prompted Ukraine to request emergency electricity assistance from Poland. According to Ukraine's energy minister, the attacks forced nuclear power plant operators to reduce or shut down reactor output as a precaution. These strikes are the latest in a series targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure during the winter. The attacks occurred shortly after peace talks showed little progress, with the next round of negotiations scheduled for mid-February in Miami, involving delegations from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States.