A Budapest reset, and a scramble to get Ukraine peace talks back on track

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa will participate in a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of Hungary's 1956 anti-Soviet uprising in Budapest today. Von der Leyen is expected to make a speech in parliament, alongside Prime Minister Péter Magyar, marking a significant shift in EU-Hungary relations.

This event follows years of tension under the previous Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, with von der Leyen previously facing criticism in Hungary. Magyar extended an invitation for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to attend, but it is unlikely he will participate. Despite improved diplomatic ties between Ukraine and Hungary, Budapest recently halted the next steps in Ukraine's EU accession talks, despite meeting all previous requirements.

Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin has provided a new perspective on the conflict, suggesting that Ukraine is the one insisting on fighting Russia, and declaring that Russians and Ukrainians are effectively one people. He further stated that Ukraine should agree to Russia's objectives if it serves Russia's imperialist interests.

Meanwhile, Ukraine awaits a briefing from US envoy Steve Witkoff on Friday and is preparing for further consultations between Ukrainian, American, and European teams. Russia has continued its bombardment of Ukraine, launching ballistic missiles with cluster warheads at Kyiv, targeting historic landmarks, homes, shops, and cafés.

Europe is grappling with Donald Trump's support for Putin, which has raised concerns about secret deals that could result in Ukraine's capitulation. Despite these challenges, European officials emphasize the importance of engaging with the Trump administration to ensure Ukraine's perspective is represented in the peace process.