Ukrainian Negotiators to Meet US Representatives on Thursday, Zelenskyy Says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed reporters that Ukraine’s negotiators are scheduled to meet with US representatives on Thursday as efforts continue to find a resolution to the Russian aggression against Ukraine. This announcement comes a day after the fourth anniversary of the conflict, according to .
Morning Opening
The European Union continues to explore options to circumvent Hungary’s veto on the latest sanctions against Russia and the disbursement of a €90 billion loan package to Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, speaking yesterday in Kyiv, stated:
“The loan was agreed by 27 heads of state and government in the European Council, they have given their word. This word cannot be broken, so we will deliver on the loan one way or the other.”
Despite these assurances, there is no indication that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán intends to lift his veto. This stance comes six weeks before a crucial election that could end his 16-year tenure.
Orbán responded to a letter from European Council President António Costa, who urged him to honor the December agreement. Orbán effectively declined, increasing pressure on Ukraine to resume oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline. Kyiv maintains that the disruption was caused by a Russian drone strike and denies responsibility.
“We take a decision financially favourable to Ukraine that I personally disapprove, then Ukraine creates an energy emergency situation in Hungary, and you ask me to pretend that nothing happened.”
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is in Beijing today for discussions on trade and security. As part of a growing number of Western leaders visiting China recently, Merz aims to encourage President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, whom he met last night, to exert additional pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine.
There are numerous developments to cover in this evolving situation.
On a lighter note, if you need something to lift your spirits, stay tuned—I will return to this shortly.
Today is Wednesday, 25 February 2026. I am Jakub Krupa, and this is Europe Live.
