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.

Hungary wants the European Union to persuade Ukraine to resume gas transit from Russia to Europe, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday, signalling a tough debate as the EU seeks to extend its sanctions against Russia over the coming week.

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.

Aleksandr Lukashenko has awarded himself a seventh term as president of Belarus, with the West calling the so-called vote a sham and introducing additional sanctions. Belarusian political observer Artsiom Shraibman told the Kyiv Independent that Lukashenko faces uncertain future after the vote.

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.

The Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, has once again threatened to veto the European Union's sanctions against Russia. This will happen if Ukraine does not restore the transit of Russian gas, Bloomberg reports.