Long reputed to be Russia-friendly, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has often railed against the continuation of the EU sanctions, claiming that they impose an intolerable burden on the Hungarian economy and provide no solution for the carnage in Ukraine.

Viktor Orban also highlighted as a major achievement that Hungary was able to pay interest on government bonds. In PM Orban's view, strengthening the middle class is a realistic goal. He noted that compared to the growth in the last quarter, even higher growth can be expected this year.

Hungary wants the European Union to intervene in a gas dispute it has with Ukraine, a potential sign of friction in the bloc’s upcoming discussions over renewing sanctions against Russia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) announced on January 30 that Romania "firmly" supports the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Ukraine, just a few hours after former ultranationalist presidential candidate Călin Georgescu declared that "Ukraine is an invented state"

North Korean troops seem to temporarily withdraw from one section of front in Kursk Oblast, military says Russia claims to capture Velyka Novosilka, Ukraine admits partial retreat but says battles ongoing Russia intensifies attacks near Pokrovsk,

Romanian presidential candidate Călin Georgescu raises the possibility of Romania and Poland annexing Ukrainian territory.

Kharkiv region. In Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv province, a Russian glide bomb struck a residential area two miles from the frontlines, near the city of Kupyansk, killing two women on Jan. 26.

The European Commission will continue talks with Ukraine on natural gas supplies to Europe and will include Hungary and Slovakia in these talks, according to a statement shared by an EU diplomat and seen by Reuters on Monday.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban told state radio on Friday that halting Russian gas flows via Ukraine and the resulting rise in costs as users seek

A row over the end of Russian gas flows via Ukraine has intensified as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban threatened to block the next rollover of EU sanctions against Russia unless Brussels helps to achieve a restart of supply.

Ukraine’s bombardment of energy infrastructure in western Russia is now a month old. Kyiv says its kamikaze aircraft are getting results. Moscow says its air defenses shoot everything down.