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Zelensky mentions Hungary in powerful New Year's letter
"Ukraine stands firmly on its feet, does not bow its head, looks ahead, and believes in its future and victory over all the evil that Russia has brought us. Ukraine is capable of achieving just peace – having a shield and a sword. Defending its people, its colors, its Independence," Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky wrote in his New Year's Greetings. "Thank you for 2024. Our people endure all difficulties with dignity. People for whom being citizens of Ukraine is a source of pride. And for me, it is a pride to be the President of such people – Ukrainians who prove that no cruise missile can defeat a nation that has wings."
He mentioned that President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office in a few weeks. Zelensky does not doubt his willingness and ability to make peace. "This is not a street fight where you have to calm down both sides. This is the full-scale aggression of a mad state against a civilized one. And I believe that we, together with the United States, are capable of exerting that force. Of compelling Russia into a just peace. "
He thanked everyone who stood with Ukraine, wrote that the path to Ukraine's accession to the EU is irreversible, and expressed confidence in the country's joining NATO. He highlighted that the unity of Europe must be respected " by both Budapest and Bratislava." "I know the Hungarian and Slovak peoples are actually with us, with Ukraine, with Ukrainians, on the side of truth. The authorities of these countries should also acknowledge the truth," the Ukrainian leader wrote.
Croatian Foreign Minister expresses concerns over Hungarian ambassador's controversial gift
Hungarian Ambassador to NATO István Balogh gifted Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić-Radman a geographic atlas of Hungary. The atlas, which includes depictions of the entire Carpathian Basin, has ignited criticism from the Croatian politician, who described the gift as inappropriate, due to its implicit references to the historic Greater Hungary.
Grlić-Radman took to social media to express concerns over the gift, which he called "problematic" due to the accompanying texts. While he did not provide specific details about the atlas, he noted that gifting such a publication was "unusual".
The issue has drawn broader regional attention, with Grlić-Radman stating that discussions are underway with counterparts from Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia regarding what he called an unacceptable gesture. Slovenia’s foreign ministry emphasized the importance of respecting internationally recognized borders.
Peter Magyar calls for Orban to call an early election
Opposition politician Peter Magyar held an over thirty-minute New Year's Eve speech where he closed his thoughts with these lines: "Mr.Prime Minister, without respect there is no decent country, so I am not saying to you "it's over, little one", but I am strongly urging you to be brave, face the Hungarians and have new elections."
Magyar, formerly a member of Fidesz, now serving as an opposition MEP said Orbán and his circles "betrayed the country and everyone (...) they lied to themselves as citizens, and in the process had fun with those who believed in it". This has led to us becoming the poorest and most corrupt EU country, with an "unprecedented bad governance", while Orbán's family will own the airport and train stations, according to Magyar.
"We have no time, we will not give you any more chances, let there be new elections, bring forward the election date to the earliest possible date (...) because we have no more time, the Hungarian people have nowhere to retreat to, "Magyar said.