No Easter Ceasefire, Hungary Changes Government
Trump threatens to leave NATO
When the media released transcripts of conversations between Péter Szijjártó, the then Hungarian Foreign Minister and his Russian counterpart (Lavrov), it was clear that the Orban government for the past 16 years would have to come to an end. Hungary had been passing confidential information and plans from EU meetings to Russia for at least 6 years. This was not a surprise as many suspected this, but now there is evidence that Szijjártó is trying to delete by shredding documents. Others have called for him to be tried for treason while the government transitions.
This marks a decisive point for Ukraine in their battle to defend themselves from the Russians, as Hungary has previously blocked EU votes for Ukrainian funding, and had not permitted weapons to be transported across its borders. The new Hunagarian Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, was once an Orban ally, but it appears Orban was not speaking for or acting for the Hungarian people. He has been a Kremlin ally, and it looked as if Hungary was about to be pushed out of the EU and NATO.
Magyar has now backed the EU loan to Ukraine in exchange for the release of €17 billion frozen funds due to ongoing rule-of-law, corruption, and judicial independence concerns.
The war in Ukraine has taken a side step since the Middle East conflict has been in the news, with an oil crisis affecting the world due to the Strait of Hormuz being blocked.
Putin also claimed there would be an Orthodox Easter ceasefire, but again those were mere words and nothing changed, with both sides citing ceasefire violations. We are miles away from a peace deal if an Easter ceasefire can’t even take place. More countries seem to be getting their armies ready, with Germany passing a new law stating that men between 17-45 must notify the military of any long term travel out of the country.
Then we have Trump, again threatening to leave NATO, and leaving other countries to put together some kind of plan should this happen. Even if it doesn’t, the current US government appears reluctant to support European defences, failing to understand that it is for the sake of world peace.
Zelenskyy continues to make deals with other countries to produce weapons in Ukraine, and to pursue more Patriot missiles, but will a new Hungarian government aid Ukraine? There is still Slovakia to contend with who were allied with the Hungarian position of supporting the Kremlin and to use Russian energy, but it does mean Putin has one less ally in Europe at least, or as far as we know.
The latest on the American front is Vance calling the Ukraine war as squabbling over a few square kilometres of land, and then renewing the Russian oil exemption (due to the blockage of the Strait or Hormuz) despite saying 48 hours earlier that it won’t be renewed, meaning Russia can still sell its ‘sanctioned’ oil.
Day 1489 (24 Mar)
Hungary blocked the €90 billion loan for Ukraine, and the EU in turn froze Hungary’s rearmament loan under the SAFE program.
Poland stated that they will not support Orban, due to his anti-European position and his pro-Russian position, and that the Hungarian government cannot be trusted as they have been passing sensitive information to the Russians.
Ukraine has reported no progress was made from the recent talks in the US, stating that Russia does not wish to move forward and negotiate, while the US is still pushing for Ukraine to cede territory.
Péter Szijjártó confirmed that he regularly communicated with Lavrov during closed door EU meetings claiming that certain issues needed to be discussed with partners outside the EU. He also said that he communicated with American, Turkish, Israeli, Serbian another colleagues before and after EU council meetings.
Russia use more than 800 drones overnight in another massive attack that lasted for over 21 hours., Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa and Dnipro were targeted and other frontline areas.
Day 1490 (25 Mar)
US interference in the Hungarian elections as Trump tells Hungarians to vote for Orban.
Latvia (a field in Kraslava) and Estonia (chimney of Auvere power station) have stated that drones had strayed into their territory overnight, but were Ukrainian. What this tells us is that the war is affecting neighbouring countries, which presents a danger to people and can damage buildings. The drones were targeting Russian ones heading towards Ukraine, and Ukraine apologised to the respective countries.
Later reports claims that Russia redirected Ukrainian drones towards Finland and the bolted states to try to escalate tensions in the region.
Sanctioned Russian lawmakers are to meet US officials in Washington. This makes a mockery of sanctions when they are not supposed to be able to enter the US.
The European Commission is to launch a process to enable the EU to become a co-founder of the special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. EU member states must endorse the proposal before the European commission can officially announce its intention to join it as a founder. It is believed that this tribunal will be able to prosecute and hold the political and military leadership of the Russian Federation accountable for the crimes against Ukraine.
Day 1491 (26 Mar)
Russia auctions off gold deposits and other natural resources in occupied Luhansk, probably to finance the war. This is effectively stealing, like selling the grain from occupied farms.
The US is considering redirecting weapons that were meant for delivery to Ukraine to the Middle East instead due to dwindling stocks, and these would include interceptor missiles for air defence systems under the PURL program. In a statement, Trump says that they do that already, ‘sometimes we take from one and we use for another.’
Zelenskyy arrives in Saudi Arabia for an official visit. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and the US have all approached Ukraine regarding their air defence experience.
Ukraine take control of the village of Berezove, pushing out the Russians slowly but surely.
Day 1492 (27 Mar)
US Senators move to sanction Hungary due to their continued opposition of loans for Ukrainian support.
The G7 meet for a 2 day meeting as the war in Ukraine is discussed and the Middle East issue.
The UK pledges an additional $133 million in air defence support for Ukraine.
Rubio claims that Zelenskyy’s statement that US security guarantees are tied to a withdrawal from Donbas is a lie. Despite that, the Russians have repeated this rhetoric, claiming that the US deal said that Donbas would be given to Russia (all of it including non occupied areas) as part of the peace deal.
Russian media reports that Putin held meetings with several Russian businessmen asking them to contribute to the budget in order to complete the takeover of the Donbass in Ukraine. The same report states that Putin would continue the war until it seized all the remaining territories in Donbas, claiming that it is necessary because Ukraine has refused to withdraw troops from Donbas.
Day 1493 (28 Mar)
Russia denies asking oligarchs to help finance the war, claiming it is a personal decision as Putin is heard to have approached businesses to contribute to the state budget.
Weapons from the US that are earmarked for Ukraine appear to be going to the Middle East, and Trump admitted that some might end up there as they need them more. Finland is pledge to check US weapons make it to Ukraine, stating that what has been promised to Ukraine must go to Ukraine according to the Finnish defence minister.
Day 1494 (29 Mar)
Zelenskyy has signed 10 year defence agreements in three gulf states, (Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates), with industrial partnership contracts pending. The agreement also provides for technological collaboration and investments.
The US has stated that military aid destined for Ukraine has not been redirected elsewhere, however this contradicts what Trump says in that some weapons may be diverted to the Middle East.
Zelenskyy arrives in Jordan for security talks.
Day 1495 (30 Mar)
The EU discusses what to do if Orban wins the election, including measures to remove Hungary as it continues to block aid destined for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy has said one of their partners (ally) has asked Ukraine to cut back on attacks on Russian energy. His reply was that Ukraine is only responding to Russian attacks. The partner was not named but thought to be either India or China who import Russian energy.
The US has stated they were disappointed that Saudi Arabia signed defence agreements with Ukraine without discussing it with them as their main ally. Saudi Arabia said that the national interests of the country come first and that the US had failed to protect the state when it came under attack, and they are free to make whatever agreements they wish without having to consult with the US. Basically, that’s Trump having a hissy fit because he has no control over Saudi Arabia and believes that as an ally they should discuss matters of governance with him first.
Russia tried to use fog to assist with Covid manoeuvers towards Hryshyne near Pokrovsk.
Ukraine and Bulgaria have signed a new security deal to jointly produce drones. The 10 year security agreement will also help to fund Ukrainian air defences.
Ukraine apologise to Finland for a drone incident that violated the countries airspace the day before, stating that no Ukrainian drones had headed towards Finland, but possibly the crash occurred due to interference from Russian electronic warfare systems.
Zelenskyy has said that rush Ukraine is ready for peace talks with Russia and the US but the tortoise cannot be held in Russia or Belarus. He further says the ball is now in the court of the US and Russia regarding peace talks. He has suggested that meetings could take place in Kyiv.
Day 1496 (31 Mar)
Leaked messages between the Hungarian FM, Péter Szijjártó and Lavrov, the Russian counterpart say, ‘ I'm always at your service.’ As recordings of conversations between the two suggest that Hungary was willing to advance Russia's interests within the EU. Other reports state that Hungary had shared details of confidential EU discussions with Russia.
Russia has given Ukraine a two month deadline to withdraw from Donbass to end the war. They said that if Ukraine doesn't pull out within this period of time then Russia will take Donbas by force and move further in.
The anniversary of the liberation of Bucha . Kaja Kallas , the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy arrived for an official visit to mark the fourth anniversary.
The EU will transfer $92 million in profits from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine.
Other countries react to the evidence of Hungarian interference in the Ukrainian war by providing sensitive information to the Russians.
What we heard today is confirmation of a very disturbing independence of Viktor Orban's government on Moscow authorities. The recordings revealed dependencies but they also showed how the foreign minister of a member state reports to the Russian minister on the completion of a task and also patience. Nothing more repulsive could have been expected and this is disqualifying. (Tusk)
Day 1497 (1 Apr)
Japan sends Ukraine $1.3 billion from profits from frozen Russian assets.
The EU will transfer €1.4 billion in interest from the frozen assets of the Russian central bank to Ukraine. The assets themselves remain frozen but it was agreed the interest can be made available to Ukraine.
In the leaked conversations, Moscow had requested that Hungary lobby against EU sanctions against Russia.
The Druzhba pipeline is still an ongoing issue, where Ukraine says that the security situation blocks the EU inspection of the pipeline. The EU has offered to pay for the repairs which are set to begin in May.
Ukraine and the US hold online talks with US officials on the state of peace efforts. However, Trump's focus is on Iran in the US are not making time for further trilateral talks with Ukraine.
Ukrainian has denied the Russian claims that they have captured Luhansk.
Day 1498 (2 Apr)
The Kremlin rejects Ukrainian proposals for an Easter ceasefire.
Trump has threatened Europe for refusing to assist in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the threats include withholding weapons for Ukraine and selling arms to NATO for Ukraine and the production of weapons under thePURL program.
Day 1499 (3 Apr)
The former NATO Secretary General, Stoltenberg had written in his memoirs that in 2021, there was proposed discussion of withdrawing the Baltic States defences to create a buffer zone (Russia’s idea) to pre 1997 borders. Needless to say, the talks didn’t proceed but had been on the table as suggested by Lavrov, but suggests the weakness of NATO and that they were prepared to sacrifice the Baltic States, and Poland and the Baltic States opposed this as it weakened their borders.
Zelenskyy speaks with the Pope whilst he visits Italy.
Keith Kellog, the former US special envoy for Ukraine has spoken up, and proposed a new defence alliance involving Ukraine to replace NATO. He also called NATO cowards for the inability to resolve the conflict in Iran and suggested that the US could benefit from other defence partners and alliances.
Day 1500 (4 Apr)
Erdogan and Zelenskyy meet as the letter arrives in Istanbul to discuss support and peace talks. This comes a day after Erdogan held a phone conversation with Putin.
Day 1501 (5 Apr)
Zelenskyy holds talks with Syrian leader in Damascus, and a trilateral meeting was also held between Ukraine, Syria and Turkey.
Day 1502 (6 Apr)
Zelenskyy suggests an Easter truce on energy infrastructure. Russian rejects it.
Russia claims that peace talks with Ukraine are unpause because the US has shift shifted its focus towards the Middle East
Ukraine will receive Swedish Tridon MK2 different systems to help counter drones and aerial threats.
Day 1503 (7 Apr)
The SBU seizes shadow fleet vessels in Odessa that attempted to transport illegal exports from occupied Crimea.
Russia is seeking to establish buffer zones between Vinnytsia in Ukraine and Transnistria.
The Ukrainian parliament has voted to extend the current military levy for three years after the end of martial law.
Russia is holding thousands of Ukrainian civilians as prisoners but they are not in the system. This means they have no legal status and the Red Cross is denied access to them.
Day 1504 (8 Apr)
Vance visits Hungary to support Orban in his political campaign to remain in power. Reports later claim that this was election interference and did the opposite as record numbers of Hungarians came out to vote against Orban.
Vance also stated that he believed the current negotiations amount to haggling over a few square kilometres of territory. That didn't go down well with the Ukrainians all the citizens living in Donbas, and indicates how unsuited Vance is at foreign policy or politics. You do not disrespect a country by demeaning their land, where he also fails to understand that Ukraine can’t just give land to Russia because Russia will want more. The end result is Russia invaded Ukraine, and Ukraine is defending its land, so why should Ukraine surrender because that’s what is would be.
What I would say to both the Russians and the Ukrainians is, you know we're talking about haggling at this point over a few square kilometres of territory in one direction or another. Is that worth losing hundreds of thousands of additional Russian and Ukrainian young men? Is that worth additional months or even years of higher energy prices and economic devastation? We think the answer is clearly no. (Vance)
More leaked documents of the Hungarian-Russian communications show that Hungary offered to send Russia documents via the Hungarian embassy in Moscow.
Further audio tapes show that Hungary was working with Russia to stall Ukraine's EU ascension.
The Japanese ambassador in Russia was summoned over the Ukrainian drone deal. Russian deems the deal and investment in the Ukrainian drone industry to be ‘hostile’. Ultimately, no country can dictate to another as to what business ventures they choose carry out.
Zelenskyy has reiterated that attacks on Russian energy infrastructure are carried out using Ukrainian weapons and not those of Ukraine's partners. He further went on to say strikes will decrease only when Ukrainian infrastructure attacks decrease.
Day 1505 (9 Apr)
Zelenskyy has proposed a defensive military alliance that includes the EU, Ukraine, Turkey, Norway, and the UK. This would effectively control the seas, skies and land areas in all of Europe as the US looks to withdraw from NATO.
Trump meets Rutte of NATO as he continues to state that the US is considering withdrawing from the alliance, because NATO did not support the US in the Iran war. Again, Trump failed to understand the role of NATO and that it is a defensive alliance and will only act if one of the member states is being attacked. The US was not being attacked and had chosen to take a pre-emptive strike in Iran, therefore does not qualify for any assistance from NATO.
Ukraine has repatriated 1000 fallen soldiers in another exchange, and returned the bodies of 41 Russian soldiers.
The UK announced that it had intercepted a Russian military operation near critical underwater infrastructure in UK Waters, this is where a Russian attacks submarine had entered British waters, potentially aiming to distract the British armed forces.
Putin ordered an Easter ceasefire and for all Russian troops to cease fire over the Orthodox Easter weekend (16:00 on 11-12 April 2026). This came after Zelensky had suggested a ceasefire several times only to be ignored by the Kremlin.
Poland intercepts a Russian II-20 spy reconnaissance plane for the second time in a week. This was during a patrol over the Baltic Sea.
Day 1506 (10 Apr)
The Ukraine bid to join NATO has stalled with several countries holding back, including Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, and the US. Rutte further stated that Ukraine's NATO membership is not currently on the table.
European lawmakers have called for rules to enable Russian spies to be flushed out. This is in light of the Hungarian government that was found to have deliberately shared confidential information during an EU council meetings with the Kremlin.
At least 14 European countries are backing the separate special tribunal to prosecute the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Three more countries are also ready to back the tribunal. This is because the ICC in the Hague can only investigate Russian war crimes against Ukraine but does not have the jurisdiction to rule on Putin's decision to attack Ukraine.
Estonia has opted not to detain a Russian shadow fleet vessel because the risks are too high. The shadow fleet vessels in the Baltic sea could lead to military escalation.
The latest Russian tactics to recruit volunteers for the army, include those who owe money for housing and utility services and also students. The lists are intended to be a means to coerce people into signing voluntary contracts.
Day 1507 (11 Apr)
Russia accidentally kills its own soldiers whilst violating the Easter truce according to Ukrainian reports. Russian forces apparently killed three unarmed soldiers, not realising that they were captured Russian personnel.
Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine is ready to extend the Easter ceasefire with Russia. He further stated that Ukraine will adhere to the ceasefire and respond only in kind. Should there be an absence of Russian strikes then there will be no response from the Ukrainian side.
Ukraine brings home 175 prisoners of war on Easter Eve with a swap with Russia.
Day 1508 (12 Apr)
Both Ukraine and Russian report ceasefire violations, with Ukraine stating they would not fire unless fired upon. Obviously these violations were anticipated and came as no surprise.
Orban ousted as Prime Minister of Hungary by Péter Magyar, a former ally. The outcome was a landslide victory with Orban conceding defeat before all the votes were counted.
Day 1509 (13 Apr)
Orban ousted as Prime Minister of Hungary by Péter Magyar, a former ally. The outcome was a landslide victory with Orban conceding defeat before all the votes were counted. He appears to be more supportive of Ukraine, stating that asking Ukraine to see land is unworthy of Hungary's 1956 resistance. He further went to say that if Russia attacked Hungary, which Hungarian county would they want to give up.
Péter Magyar, the new PM of Hungary has said that Péter Szijjártó has barricaded himself in his office and the Fidesz party is shredding documents that would be evidence of treason.
Ukraine has charged a Russian general, Denis Barilo in absentia for his role in the torture of civilians in Yahide, Chernihiv in 2022.
Ukrainian forces withdraw from villages in Sumy due to heavy fighting. The choice was to preserve lives of personnel and to move to other borders to hold the front line.
During the 32 hours ceasefire period during Orthodox Easter. Russia violated the ceasefire almost 11,000 times.
Day 1510 (14 Apr)
The US defended their position on supporting Orban in the Hungarian elections, and claimed that the EU was harming the Hungarian economy.
Iceland and Poland will back the proposals for a special tribunal to prosecute the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
Ukraine and Norway sign a defence declaration in Oslo, for joint drone production and ongoing military cooperation.
France, Germany the Netherlands and Italy have opposed the proposal of Ukraine's accelerated extension to the EU. Reasons include concerns that EU enlargement could provide ammunition for populists and lead to contentious referendums in the EU.
Day 1511 (15 Apr)
Russia has not congratulated Péter Magyar, of the Tisza Party, stating that Hungary is now an unfriendly country towards Russia because it supports sanctions against it.
Russia has threatened self defence tactics against Finland and the Baltic states if Ukrainian drone strike their airspace. The Baltic states rejected these accusations stating that they were false and denied that Ukraine had used their air space for attacks.
The US had confirmed that the expired Russian oil sanctions waiver will not be renewed. However, two days later they did renew the waiver.
Zelenskyy meets with Meloni in Italy.
Europe has begun drafting contingency plans to defend itself in the event that the US would withdraw from the alliance. The plans would be called ‘European NATO’ and would involve more Europeans in the alliance command.
Russian forces have increased their offensive operations along the 1200 km front line. This includes areas in Pokrovsk, Lyman, Oleksandrivka and Kostiantynivka.
Day 1512 (16 Apr)
US senators meet with the Ukrainian prime minister for further talks on support for Ukraine.
The EU is planning the 20th Russian sanctions package, with Slovakia threatening a veto.
The UK has transferred about $1 billion in frozen assets to Ukraine
Day 1513 (17 Apr)
The US said it would not renew the Russian oil exemption but did 48 hours later, indicating that the US cannot be trusted or that they are making and changing policy on a whim. This means that Russian oil is not sanctioned and will enable those who purchase it to fund the war against Ukraine
.
Belarus has begun building roads towards the Ukrainian border and appears to be preparing or to repositions along the borderline.
King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden visits Lviv, Ukraine with the Foreign Minister Maria Malmer and meets with Zelenskyy.
The US has now warned that some European allies will see delays in receiving arms supplies due to the war in Iran.
Zelensky announced that the Netherlands will train the Ukrainian crew for the Alkmaar mine sweeper and will transfer it to Ukraine by June.
Day 1514 (18 Apr)
In Kyiv, a Russian man takes hostages and kills at least 5 people.
Russia has refused to rule out strikes on European drone facilities, stating that their direct involvement allows them to be targets, and that continued European support for Ukraine's drone production could lead to ‘unpredictable consequences’.
Ukraine special operations forces use drones to strike a logistic base belonging to a Russian system centre called Rubicon in occupied Donetsk.