United States

Hungary requests US exemption for Russian Gazprombank sanctions to secure gas payments

russia us sanctions exemption gazprombank

The Hungarian government has requested that United States authorities exempt Russia’s Gazprombank from sanctions to allow countries in the region to pay for their gas deliveries, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said in Brussels on Wednesday.

Fielding questions from journalists after a meeting of NATO foreign ministers, Szijjártó said that the United States’ chief diplomat had signalled a willingness for some form of consultations with allies on the sanctions affecting Gazprombank.

russia us sanctions exemption gazprombank
A branch of Russian Gazprombank in Moscow. Photo: MTI/MTVA/Jurij Kocsetkov

“It would have been better if this had happened before…but that’s how things turned out,” he added.

Szijjártó said the new sanctions on Gazprombank could cause serious difficulties for Hungary and two other NATO members, as well as for Serbia, as any stoppage in imports of Russian gas would threaten the security of their energy supplies.

“I have indicated to the American secretary of state that this is the kind of measure that could cause trouble for allies,” he added.

Szijjártó said the government had submitted a request to the relevant US authority on Tuesday asking for an exemption from the sanctions in the case of payments for gas deliveries. Such an exemption would not be without precedent, he added, noting that a number of Russian banks, mainly ones involved with the trade of Russian uranium, had received similar exemptions.

Szijjártó said he had consulted on the matter by phone with the energy ministers of Serbia, Slovakia and Türkiye, with whom coordinated steps would be taken.

Hungary ensures one-third of Ukraine’s imports of electricity and will continue to do so in future, too, he added.

Read also:

Solution to problems caused by US sanctions on Gazprombank close, says Hungarian minister

Sergey Lavrov and Péter Szijjártó Russian energy

Solutions to manage the problems caused by US sanctions against Russia’s Gazprombank imposed by the United States have been adopted in three of four instances affecting Hungary, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto told lawmakers on Tuesday.

At the parliamentary hearing, opposition MEPs were mainly interested in why the Hungarian government is increasing its purchases of Russian energy and why it is not trying to replace its dependence on Russia with green energy instead. Several opposition members also asked whether the natural charging of battery power plants would pay off in Hungary in the long run. There was also criticism that foreign trade is negative, and according to the latest KSH data, the Hungarian economy is in massive recession.

Giving testimony before parliament’s economy committee, Szijjártó said the legal constructions devised to resolve the matter, reached at meetings in Moscow a day earlier, would ensure Hungary’s energy supply. Related article: Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov again received the Hungarian Foreign Minister in Moscow

He added that the sanctions had affected several European countries that made payments for their Russian energy through Gazprombank, and coordination among them was ongoing. Related article – Hungarian minister: We are working with the Russians on a solution to avoid US sanctions

He said those countries happen to be sympathisers of President-elect Donald Trump. He added that Russian banks that manage payments for uranium exports were granted exceptions to the sanctions.

He noted last year that the US was the biggest buyer of Russian uranium.

Szijjártó said Hungary rejected any initiative that attempted to muddle energy supply and economic cooperation with ideological or political matters. He added that, given the existing infrastructure, Hungary had not been made a better offer than that for its gas from Russia.

Szijjártó pointed to efforts to diversify Hungary’s energy supply, including the start of deliveries of Azeri and Turkish gas and talks on purchasing Qatari LNG for the period after 2027. He added that the European Commission had been unwilling to provide financial support for the infrastructure necessary to diversify the energy supply in the region.

Addressing electromobility, Szijjártó augured a rebound in demand for EVs after a temporary downturn and said EV industry investments that had been scrapped were in countries where they had not even started, while projects in Hungary were well underway.

He added that state support for such investments would have to be repaid, with interest, if conditions were not met.

read also: Slovak interior minister: Possible Hungarian terror attack against the Friendship crude oil pipeline, details HERE

Hungarian minister: We are working with the Russians on a solution to avoid US sanctions 🔄

Hungarian foreign minister met Lavrov in New York

European leaders have “missed a great opportunity” to amend their “failed” Ukraine strategy, and they should have doubled down on peace efforts amid the current danger of escalation, Péter Szijjártó, the foreign minister, said in Pécs, in southern Hungary. He also said that the Hungarian Foreign Ministry is working with the Russians to find a solution to avoid US sanctions.

Addressing a National Consultation campaign event on Monday evening, the minister said Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election had brought closer a peaceful resolution to the war, but the danger of escalation had also grown, “due to the measures of the outgoing Washington administration that ignore the will of the people”.

Szijjártó said EU leaders could have used the US developments as an excuse to amend their “failed Ukraine strategy, which is also weakening the continent”.

He said his latest visit to Moscow had been aimed at bolstering peace efforts and further guaranteeing Hungary’s energy security, as US sanctions against Gazprombank had put countries purchasing Russian energy resources in a difficult situation.

The background to this case is that the US introduced sanctions back in November, excluding 50 other Russian financial institutions from the international financial system in addition to Gazprombank. The measure is aimed at preventing the financing of the war in Ukraine. Gazprombank manages Gazprom’s finances, and all purchases and payments for energy are made through this bank.

“We are now working together on a solution with the Russians, company leaders and the deputy PM for energy…” Szijjártó said.

In a Facebook video on Monday, Szijjártó indicated from Moscow that a solution to the US sanctions on Gazprombank would soon be found, meaning that payments for natural gas, oil, and nuclear fuel purchased from Russia could be resolved.

According to experts, the solution is likely to be the insertion of a Turkish, Azeri, Arab, or possibly Serbian player in the payment chain, which would circumvent the US sanctions, Forbes said.

It is also interesting to note that since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the Hungarian government has not reduced but drastically increased its purchases of Russian raw materials. Thus, Hungarian energy diversification is still far away, and there is no intention to do so.

He slammed the “hypocrisy of certain colleagues” who “regularly emphasised their support” ahead of EU foreign council meetings “but never stand by me in the debate”. “There is a great deal of hypocrisy in the world regarding the ties with the East, Russia as well as China,” he said.

Szijjártó praised Hungary’s policy of economic neutrality, which allowed the country to trade with Eastern and Western partners alike, “despite the ongoing discourse to decouple the European and Chinese economies.”

Related article from Monday: Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov again received the Hungarian Foreign Minister in Moscow

Read also – Slovak interior minister: Possible Hungarian terror attack against the Friendship crude oil pipeline

UPDATE

Solution to problems caused by US sanctions on Gazprombank close, says Hungarian minister – details HERE

Exploring Unlimited Possibilities: OMODA&JAECOO’s Fantastical Journey with Universal Pictures’ Wicked

wicked

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Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, is based on one of the most beloved and enduring musicals in Broadway history. The film now arrives in cinemas as a visually stunning cinematic event this November. Wicked boasts an all-star cast, featuring Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winner and Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo and Grammy Award-winning global superstar Ariana Grande in the lead roles. In addition, the film stars Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh, film icon Jeff Goldblum, Olivier Award winner and Emmy nominee Jonathan Bailey, and four-time Emmy Award winner Peter Dinklage. Wicked arrives in cinemas from 22 November 2024. 

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Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy, and Tony-winning and Oscar®-nominated powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her green skin who has yet to discover her true power and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman gilded by privilege who has yet to discover her true heart. 

 The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. 

 The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Olivier Award winner and Emmy nominee Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.

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 Wicked is produced by Marc Platt p.g.a. (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), whose films, television shows, and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar® nominations, 58 Emmy nominations, and 36 Tony nominations, and multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are Stephen Schwartz, David Nicksay, Jared LeBoff, Winnie Holzman, and Dana Fox. 

 Wicked is based on the generation-defining musical stage play with music and lyrics by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, from the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire. The screenplay is by Winnie Holzman Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. The film score is by John Powell & Stephen Schwartz, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. 

Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone produced the Broadway stage musical.

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Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov again received the Hungarian Foreign Minister in Moscow 🔄

lavrov szijjártó

The Hungarian government must increase its efforts towards peace as the risk of escalation in the war in Ukraine is more serious than ever before, the Hungarian foreign minister said in Moscow on Monday, adding that efforts had to also be made to keep the channels of diplomacy open.

Lavrov

Sergei Lavrov began the meeting by saying in the first three minutes that Russia appreciates Viktor Orban’s “independent policy”, that they see Hungary’s sincere efforts to restore peace, and that he believes there is sustainable growth in both the Russian and Hungarian economies.

Szijjártó

At talks held with his Russian colleague, Sergei Lavrov, Péter Szijjártó underlined that the risk of escalation of the war “is more serious than ever before.”

“There have been many dangerous and irresponsible decisions made in the recent past that for a country neighbouring Ukraine, such as Hungary, pose particular threats,” he said.

He said the past one thousand days had proved that the war had no solution in the battlefield, it could only be ended through negotiations for which “the channels of diplomacy have to be kept open”.

“Those who close those diplomatic channels or attack those who keep them open do not really want peace,” he said.

Szijjártó said developing bilateral ties with Russia in areas not affected by sanctions “is a clear and open goal” of the Hungarian government.

Lavrov

Then, the Russian Foreign Minister took the floor again, but in the next 10 minutes or so, he did not give it to Szijjártó, so only Lavrov spoke.
The Russian Foreign Minister returned to the themes often voiced by Moscow, the situation in Ukraine, and spoke at length about how anyone who speaks out against peace does not even represent the interests of his own people, saying that they see the likes of Viktor Orban’s peace mission from China, South Africa and several Arab countries. He also criticised the Western double standards they see in Russia.

Practically every month there is a meeting between the Russian and Hungarian Foreign Ministers:

UPDATE

“Russia committed to maintaining Hungary energy supply”

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said in Moscow on Monday that Russia will continue to deliver crude, gas, and nuclear fuel to Hungary in spite of new sanctions.

In a statement issued by his ministry, Szijjártó said he had held talks with Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and a number of executives of energy industry companies and acknowledged the important role deliveries from Russia play in ensuring Hungary’s secure energy supply.

He added that the issue was not a “political matter” , but one of “physical reality” and of infrastructure.

“We have no intent of giving up this good cooperation. If for the only reason that nobody has given us a better offer. We know of no other energy sources that are more secure or more competitively priced,” he said.

Szijjártó said

the inclusion of Gazprombank on the United States’ sanctions list was an attempt to put countries in Central and Southeastern Europe that use Russian energy in a difficult position.

Discussing the matter on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Novak and the energy company executives affected by the measure affirmed their interest in cooperation and the continuation of energy deliveries, he added.

“We’ve committed to finding a solution to the situation,”

he said. He added that the Hungarian government would do everything in its power to ensure the country’s secure energy supply.

He noted that other countries in the region were “in the same shoes” and were working together to resolve the situation.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov again received the Hungarian Foreign Minister in Moscow

The Hungarian government must increase its efforts towards peace as the risk of escalation in the war in Ukraine is more serious than ever before, the Hungarian foreign minister said in Moscow on Monday, adding that efforts had to also be made to keep the channels of diplomacy open.

Lavrov

Sergei Lavrov began the meeting by saying in the first three minutes that Russia appreciates Viktor Orban’s “independent policy”, that they see Hungary’s sincere efforts to restore peace, and that he believes there is sustainable growth in both the Russian and Hungarian economies.

Szijjártó

At talks held with his Russian colleague, Sergei Lavrov, Péter Szijjártó underlined that the risk of escalation of the war “is more serious than ever before.”

“There have been many dangerous and irresponsible decisions made in the recent past that for a country neighbouring Ukraine, such as Hungary, pose particular threats,” he said.

He said the past one thousand days had proved that the war had no solution in the battlefield, it could only be ended through negotiations for which “the channels of diplomacy have to be kept open”.

“Those who close those diplomatic channels or attack those who keep them open do not really want peace,” he said.

Szijjártó said developing bilateral ties with Russia in areas not affected by sanctions “is a clear and open goal” of the Hungarian government.

Lavrov

Then, the Russian Foreign Minister took the floor again, but in the next 10 minutes or so, he did not give it to Szijjártó, so only Lavrov spoke.
The Russian Foreign Minister returned to the themes often voiced by Moscow, the situation in Ukraine, and spoke at length about how anyone who speaks out against peace does not even represent the interests of his own people, saying that they see the likes of Viktor Orban’s peace mission from China, South Africa and several Arab countries. He also criticised the Western double standards they see in Russia.

Practically every month there is a meeting between the Russian and Hungarian Foreign Ministers:

UPDATE

“Russia committed to maintaining Hungary energy supply”

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said in Moscow on Monday that Russia will continue to deliver crude, gas, and nuclear fuel to Hungary in spite of new sanctions.

In a statement issued by his ministry, Szijjártó said he had held talks with Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and a number of executives of energy industry companies and acknowledged the important role deliveries from Russia play in ensuring Hungary’s secure energy supply.

He added that the issue was not a “political matter” , but one of “physical reality” and of infrastructure.

“We have no intent of giving up this good cooperation. If for the only reason that nobody has given us a better offer. We know of no other energy sources that are more secure or more competitively priced,” he said.

Szijjártó said

the inclusion of Gazprombank on the United States’ sanctions list was an attempt to put countries in Central and Southeastern Europe that use Russian energy in a difficult position.

Discussing the matter on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Novak and the energy company executives affected by the measure affirmed their interest in cooperation and the continuation of energy deliveries, he added.

“We’ve committed to finding a solution to the situation,”

he said. He added that the Hungarian government would do everything in its power to ensure the country’s secure energy supply.

He noted that other countries in the region were “in the same shoes” and were working together to resolve the situation.

Unprecedented: Trump asks for PM Orbán’s advice on how to end the war in Ukraine ASAP

trump orbán 2024

It is unprecedented for an American president to ask for advice from the Hungarian prime minister about a global armed conflict. According to the insiders of Szabad Európa, Trump has talked with PM Orbán on the phone multiple times since his reelection on 5 November about the situation in Ukraine and asked for Orbán’s opinion about how the war in Ukraine should be ended ASAP.

Long was to establish a friendship between Orbán and Trump

PM Orbán was the first of the world’s acting presidents and prime ministers to endorse Trump as a presidential candidate in the summer of 2015. Ever since, Hungarian diplomacy has tried to improve the personal relationship between Trump and Orbán, and it seems they were successful.

During Trump’s first presidency, the American president did not know who Orbán was, and, consequently, the Hungarian prime minister received an invitation to Washington only in 2019. The situation has changed a lot since then.

Donald Trump & Viktor Orbán
Trump did not know in 2019 who exactly Orbán was. Photo: Facebook.com/orbanviktor

The Orbán cabinet made huge efforts to attract Trumpist Republicans by e.g. organising the CPAC in Budapest, which costs a fortune for everybody, so not everybody can afford it. Moreover, they have been saying from the start that Trump could bring peace to Ukraine and that had Trump ruled the White House, Putin would not have attacked because the Russian president is afraid of the American entrepreneur and showman.

The relationship between the two leaders developed quickly, and Trump regularly praised Orbán and his policies in his speeches during the campaign. Despite several Republican leaders having doubts about Orbán, media reports agree that the two strongmen’s relations are strong.

Trump called only Orbán and Netanyahu

Therefore, it is not surprising that Trump called Orbán after his victory. The only other leader receiving that “gift” was Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. According to an informant of Szabad Európa, the “others had to queue”. The first talk between Trump and Orbán was ceremonial but more followed.

Mar-a-Lago calls Budapest, Orbán wrote:

According to Szabad Európa’s insiders, Trump is deeply interested in Orbán’s opinion about Russia’s capacity to continue the war, how he measured the durability of Putin’s system and what milestones he would regard as important for a settlement.

Orbán expressed his views on that issue multiple times. He said Russia has more reserves than Ukraine, consequently, Putin can continue the war as long as he feels, but Ukraine solely depends on Western donors. Therefore, Kyiv needs a ceasefire as soon as possible. Trump seems to be on the same page concerning Ukraine.

Analysts believe Trump would like to score some spectacular successes after his inauguration, and one could be Ukraine. It seems he may have other allies in Europe. There is a chance that Romania’s new president will be Călin Georgescu, who hailed Putin several times. In Czechia, Andrej Babiš may return, who was labelled a pro-peace politician by Orbán. In Germany, early elections will decide the next government, while France’s Barnier government is also shaking.

Budapest International Book Festival Putin Orbán russia
Putin and Orbán in July in Moscow. Photo: FB/Orbán

Orbán prepares for another peace mission

Insiders say Orbán is preparing for another peace mission. He carried out the first “mission” in early July when he took the EU presidency. He talked with Putin, Xi, Zelensky and Trump then. Now, he seems to be doing that tour again. Szabad Európa writes that the leaders are flexible enough to receive the Hungarian prime minister even on short notice.

Botond Feledy, a foreign affairs expert, told Szabad Európa that he might deliver Trump’s message to the Russian, Ukrainian and Chinese leaders.

Hungary seems to launch new joint projects with China
Orbán and Xi in July. Photo: FB/Orbán

The Hungarian media outlet wrote that Hungary’s problems will not be among Trump’s primary concerns after January. However, the Hungarian government expects to welcome a new American ambassador next autumn. Based on reports, several volunteers have first-hand experience with Hungarian hospitality from the Budapest CPACs.

New ambassador may arrive in Budapest in autumn

Concerning practicalities, the two countries may agree on a new concord to avoid double taxation and visa-free travel to the USA for Hungarian citizens born abroad. Furthermore, Hungary would like to host Trump for an official visit soon. The Orbán administration also hopes he will not launch a tax war against China because that would harm the Hungarian government through Chinese investments like the BYD in Szeged.

Read also:

  • PM Orbán: Patriots in majority in the Western world with Trump, left unable to govern – read more HERE
  • What can PM Orbán and Hungary gain from Trump’s victory? – details in THIS article

New info emerged about Kenzie Michalski’s murderer and the FBI’s role

Irish national murdered American woman Kenzie Michalski in Budapest

The parents of the murdered American woman Mackenzie Michalski shared new info about the Irish perpetrator, the FBI’s role in the investigation after their daughter went missing, and the fundraising campaign they started to bring home the body of their beloved relative.

Kenzie Michalski’s murderer sticks to his version of the story

According to Blikk, the parents do not believe that their daughter fell victim to a consensual BDSM sexual encounter that went wrong. The Irish perpetrator sticks to his version that the 31-year-old American woman asked him to tie her up and cause her pain. He told the police that something went wrong during that, the girl suffocated and died in the man’s downtown apartment. Then he tried to get rid of the body and buried her corpse in the marshes near Szigliget, close to Lake Balaton. That is one factor why the Hungarian police still regard the tragedy as murder.

Disturbing VIDEO emerged of the American woman's murder Kenzie
Video footage of the couple arriving at the Irish man’s apartment. Photo: PrtScr/RTL Klub Híradó video

The parents of Ms Michalski do not believe the Irish man’s version. They said their daughter was intentionally killed, there was no accident, and the 37-year-old Irish man, also on holiday in the Hungarian capital, planned the murder. They wrote in a Facebook post that “based on all available evidence reviewed during consultation with the Hungarian Police, our daughter’s death was in no way accidental despite claims to the contrary. It was a deliberate and violent murder.”

FBI praised the proficiency of the Hungarian Police

The parents of the murdered American woman also praised the efficiency of the Hungarian Police. They added that even the department responsible for transatlantic investigations of the FBI was involved in the search for the missing woman in Hungary. The Hungarian police said they helped the inquiry with “multiple procedural steps”. FBI also helped the parents with administration while in Hungary. Blikk learned that the American agency acknowledged the quickness and proficiency of their Hungarian colleagues during the entire investigation. FBI agents agreed they could not have done it better.

The American woman died in Budapest because of BDSM sex Kenzie
She was in Budapest before. This photo was uploaded to her Facebook account in 2019. Photo: FB/Mackenzie Michalski

Ms Mackenzie’s body is already in the United States. Since the transportation cost a fortune, they started a donation campaign, which went better than expected. The target was USD 35,000, but they received more than 46,000 from more than 500 donors.

Will the autopsy results solve the case?

“After our encouraging interactions with the Hungarian Police and other authorities, we remain hopeful that Kenzie’s killer will be held responsible for his crimes to the fullest extent of the law”, they wrote.

Meanwhile, the lawyer of the Irish guy, György Magyar, seems to be convinced that his client is not guilty. He said the autopsy would help reconstruct the circumstances and define the cause of death. Up to now, the Hungarian media has not reported about the autopsy results.

Kenzie murderer Irish man
The alleged murderer shows the place where he hid the body to the police. Photo: PrtScr/Youtube

Read also:

  • Disturbing VIDEO emerged of the murdered American woman’s last hours: she walked hand in hand with her alleged killer
  • “It was a deliberate and violent murder” – Parents of murdered American woman share update

Zelensky’s adviser defends PM Orbán: Claims Hungarian leader is ‘not pro-Russian at all’

PM Orbán Putin in Moscow peace mission

The war in Ukraine has intensified with North Korean troops bolstering Russia in Kursk, prompting Ukraine, with Western backing, to expand the use of its longer-range weapons. Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak was questioned about PM Orbán’s perceived pro-Russian leanings and shared insights on Hungarian-Ukrainian ties, highlighting doubts about Russia’s rational leadership in an interview with Telex.

Russia is not rational

According to the interview with Telex, Mykhailo Podolyak thinks that PM Orbán’s calls for early negotiations in the EU reflect a belief in dialogue over escalation, a stance rooted in rational diplomacy. However, Ukrainian officials argue that this approach misunderstands Russia’s motivations and leadership under Vladimir Putin. While PM Orbán’s preference for dialogue aims to foster alliances and stability, the Ukrainian adviser warns that Russia operates on emotional, not rational, grounds. Driven by resentment over its Cold War defeat, Russia seeks revenge rather than cooperation, prioritising territorial aggression over lucrative economic opportunities with Europe. This, they argue, highlights the futility of negotiating with a state fuelled by hatred and ambition rather than pragmatism.

Orbán Putin in Moscow peace mission
PM Orbán and President Putin in Moscow on 5 July. Photo: FB/Orbán

Is PM Orbán pro-Russian?

Mykhailo Podolyak says that despite perceptions, Ukraine does not view PM Orbán as pro-Russian but rather as a pragmatic leader prioritising Hungary’s national interests. While his actions may occasionally align with Russian goals, Ukrainian officials stress that Hungary remains committed to its shared values and agreements as part of the EU. Ukraine actively engages with Hungary through high-level dialogue and specialised committees, aiming for gradual progress in their relations. Ukrainian officials emphasise that no European leader, including PM Orbán, is ideologically aligned with Russia, recognising the long-term dangers of its violent and destabilising policies despite any short-term advantages.

Hungarian-language education in Transcarpathia

PM Orbán’s government has long expressed concerns over the preservation of Hungarian-language education in Transcarpathia, a sensitive issue in Hungarian-Ukrainian relations. As the adviser notes, Ukrainian officials acknowledge ongoing dialogue on this matter, with steps being taken to ease tensions. However, the process is still in progress, and concrete outcomes remain to be finalised.

Talks between Zelensky and Orbán

Mykhailo Podolyak highlights that direct talks between President Zelensky and PM Orbán, initiated during the European Political Community summit in Budapest, mark a significant step forward. These discussions encompass economic, political, and cultural issues, signalling renewed bilateral engagement. Hungary’s potential involvement in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction aligns with its interest in EU-wide economic growth, underlining a shared pragmatic vision. Supporting Ukraine, including military aid, is seen as a mutual benefit, fostering stability, market expansion, and a future free of new European conflicts.

Mykhailo Podolyak ukraine
Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Source: Wikimedia Commons/Office of the President of Ukraine

Read also:

Exclusive scoop! Sex and the City secrets revealed as Candace Bushnell comes Budapest

Candace Bushnell

The author of ‘Sex and the City’, one of the best-selling series of the millennium, will present ‘True Stories of Sex, Success and Sex and the City’ at the Erkel Theatre in Budapest next 19 March. In this unique one-woman stage show, world-renowned bestselling author Candace Bushnell will give insight into her life, career and the real-life events behind the series ‘Sex and the City’.

The stories of ‘Sex and the City’ began their conquest in 1994 in the pages of the New York Observer, presenting stories based on the lives of its author Candace Bushnell and her circle of friends. The series first became a best-selling book and then a worldwide success as one of the most influential television shows.

Sex and the City has not only transformed perceptions of female friendships, fashion, careers, independence, relationships and sex but has also had a significant impact on the role of women in society, challenging previously rigid views. The series placed women at the centre of one of New York’s most exciting cities, offering a new perspective on traditional ideas.

Candace Bushnell will take her latest show to the UK’s major cities in the spring of 2025, and from there, her first stop will be Budapest to bring the real stories that inspired Sex and the City. This time, Hungarian audiences will be able to hear first-hand about the people and situations that inspired Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha, the series’ protagonists. Bushnell tells the story the only way she knows how; she tells how she moved to New York at the age of 18, when women couldn’t get credit cards, how she became a sex columnist, created an Emmy-winning TV series and wrote several New York Times bestselling books.

She shares her experiences of love, laughter, highs and lows, and the uplifting life lessons she learned along the way – all over cocktails and Manolo shoes. During her performance, the author will share humorous anecdotes and interact with the audience, playing games with them and revealing the events that have truly happened in her life. Bushnell will reflect on modern dating and how the dynamics of relationships have changed in the age of the internet and social media, and share her thoughts on how this has affected young women’s lives and relationships.

Bushnell’s style is relaxed and entertaining; she pours cocktails and chats with the audience in a friendly atmosphere throughout the presentation. The unique stage show not only provides fascinating insights into the background and protagonists of Sex and the City but also gives the audience the opportunity to get to know the author and her alter ego, Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker in the series. The cosy set of the stage creates an atmosphere that helps the audience connect more with Bushnell’s stories, with elements such as Manolo Blahnik shoes and a pink suede sofa. This is combined with Bushnell’s relaxed and friendly style, which allows the audience to feel like they are part of a friendly conversation.

During the performance, “the real Carrie Bradshaw” takes the audience on a captivating journey, sharing the most significant moments of her life and inspiring stories that have touched millions of women worldwide.

Roland Horváth, CEO of Koncertpromo, commented:

“Candace Bushnell’s show is not only entertaining but also deeply inspiring. We are proud to bring this exceptional performance to the stage of the Erkel Theatre and offer an evening that audiences will remember for a long time. Personally, it is very close to my heart, as I am a huge Sex and the City fan myself.”

This unique show, infused with honesty and humour, reveals what life is like behind the fame as Bushnell, in her unparalleled style, reflects on her career, female friendships, modern love, and what it means to be an independent woman today. An evening guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience!

The performance is in English with subtitles in Hungarian.

For tickets and more information, visit koncertpromo.com.

As we wrote today, the ‘Now You See Me 3’ cast and crew say goodbye to Budapest. Watch the video HERE.

As we wrote a few weeks ago, Woody Allen sent a heartwarming VIDEO message to Hungary and Budapest

VIDEO: ‘Now You See Me 3’ cast and crew say goodbye to Budapest

jesse eisenberg

The Museum of Fine Arts was the location for the third part of the film series Now You See Me, and the crew said goodbye at the end of the shoot, according to Instagram posts of the film and the museum.

Now You See Me 3 in Budapest

“Thank you so much, I had the most amazing team to work with. It’s a huge blessing to be here,” said Jesse Eisenberg, one of the film’s main characters, thanking the team in a room at the Museum of Fine Arts. Other cast members of the film, Dave Franco, Ariana Greenblatt and Rosamund Pike, are also in the photos and videos.

During his time in the city, Jesse Eisenberg explored various cultural sites, including the House of Terror Museum, which commemorates the victims of the fascist and communist regimes in Hungary. Eisenberg expressed his appreciation for the museum and described it as an important reminder of history.

In addition to the museum visits, Eisenberg was also spotted in Csepel, where he visited the studio of Hungarian sculptor Miklós Szőke Gábor and acquired a sculpture of a Puli, a Hungarian shepherd dog. Her presence in Budapest coincided with sightings of other celebrities in the film, such as Morgan Freeman and Woody Harrelson, who also enjoyed the local culture, which we wrote about here:

American teacher faces expulsion from Hungary after a 10-year career in Budapest

American teacher expelled from Hungary children classroom

An American teacher with a decade-long career at a secondary school in Budapest has been expelled by Hungary’s National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) due to a procedural error in renewing his residence permit. Despite his longstanding contribution to the local community and education system, the teacher was forced to leave Hungary and the EU immediately, highlighting the rigidity of Hungary’s strict immigration laws.

American teacher expelled from the country

As reported by Telex, an American teacher working at a secondary school in Budapest has been expelled by National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF), despite having lived in the country for a decade. According to a letter from the school principal to parents and students, the American teacher resides in a local apartment and has been a longstanding educator in Budapest. The expulsion stemmed from a procedural error during the renewal of his residence permit. The head teacher explained that documentation was submitted in an incorrect sequence, leading to the application’s automatic rejection.

What will happen now?

The American teacher was required to leave Hungary and the EU immediately, with the option to apply for the ban to be lifted before reapplying for a residence permit. The duration of this process is uncertain, but the school estimates the teacher’s absence will last between three weeks and two months. In the meantime, the school is working to secure professional substitutes to manage the unfortunate situation. The head teacher criticised the procedure, calling it “totally pointless and incomprehensible.” The head teacher writes the following in an open letter:

The fact that the teacher has been teaching in Hungary for 10 years, that he has a public service of great importance to the Hungarian state and society in a field of shortage, that he is a graduate teacher with no criminal record, a decent background and a decent living, is obviously not a factor. We will do our utmost, we will do everything we can to ensure that the teacher can get back to work as soon as possible because his work and his precense are of the utmost importance to our community and our students.

American teacher expelled from Hungary children classroom
Photo: depositphotos.com

Strict immigration laws

The head teacher declined to comment as the matter is ongoing, and the American teacher has not responded to Telex’s inquiries. However, the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) provided a general statement, emphasising that Hungary enforces some of the strictest immigration rules among EU Member States. They noted that applications are automatically rejected if they fail to meet legal requirements, with no room for discretion.

OIF explained that foreign nationals losing their residency rights must leave Hungary immediately, as mandated by national and EU laws. They highlighted that the expulsion period is determined case-by-case, factoring in individual circumstances. While the expelled individual can seek remedies or reapply for residency under specific legal conditions, these steps must align with existing legislation.

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Featured image: illustration, depositphotos.com

Trump appoints former PM Orbán advisor Gorka as his counter-terrorism chief but Orbán can’t be glad

Sebastian Gorka and Donald Trump

Sebastian Gorka served in the previous Trump administration as a Deputy Assistant to the President for seven months. Born and educated in London, he spent more than a decade in Hungary working for the rightist government and background institutions. Allegedly, he was PM Orbán’s advisor in the 1990s. He failed a national security clearance in 2002, and his appointment caused outrage in the USA even now.

A committed supporter of Trump

Trump’s former national security advisor, John Bolton, said Gorka was the ‘worst cabinet appointment in recent American history’. Leftist Hungarian media refers to him as a “political adventurer”. Gorka is a big supporter of Trump and an influential defender of his policies and as an anchorman. Even though many question his expertise, he runs as a national security expert in the USA. Trump appointed him Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism.

He was born in London to a father who helped the British Secret Service in the second half of the 1940s when Hungary was part of the Soviet block. Paul Gorka was arrested but rescued by freedom fighters during the 1956 Hungarian revolution. He and his family left Hungary, Sebastian was born in London and was educated in the British capital. He obtained his MA and PhD at Budapest’s Corvinus University.

Gorka failed a national security clearance in Hungary

In 1992, he returned to Hungary and started working for the rightist Antall government in the Ministry of Defence. Later, he became a fellow associate of the background institution of the Zrínyi Miklós National Defence University. Before the 1998 general elections, he became a national security advisor of Orbán and Fidesz. Allegedly, he remained an advisor of the prime minister after Fidesz’s 1998 victory.

However, in 2002, he failed a national security clearance, so he could not participate in the committee monitoring PM Medgyessy’s state security past. Some say that his relationship with the British and Americans working for their countries’ intelligence services was too good.

In 2008, he suddenly moved to the USA with his American wife and became a naturalised American citizen in 2012.

Gorka slammed PM Orbán and his Fidesz for corruption

In an interview with Válasz Online, Gorka said President Putin was afraid of Trump, so he did not dare to launch wars against its neighbours during the Trump presidency. Consequently, when Trump enters office, the war will end because Putin is scared of Trump. He also expressed determined support towards helping Ukraine with intelligence, arms, ammunition, and money. However, he highlighted the importance of financial clearance because corruption in Ukraine is brutal.

In the interview, Gorka slammed Orbán and his methods to gain power. He said he worked for Fidesz in the 1990s because he hoped the “conservative” block would not become as corrupt as the Hungarian Socialist Workers’ Party. “I was wrong. It is enough to look at Lőrinc Mészáros” (Mr Mészáros is the wealthiest Hungarian who gained 99% of his wealth after PM Orbán came back into power in 2010 by winning countless public procurements).

Sebastian Gorka and Donald Trump
Photo: FB/Sebastian Gorka

He concluded the interview by saying that he would be happier if his American conservative friends were more aware of the true nature of Fidesz.

The interview was published last August, so he probably did not change his mind and may not advocate for a closer relationship between Trump and Orbán despite his Hungarian origins.

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Disturbing VIDEO emerged of the murdered American woman’s last hours: she walked hand in hand with her alleged killer

Disturbing VIDEO emerged of the American woman's murder Kenzie

The whole country was shaken to hear that a 31-year-old American nurse, Mackenzie Michalski, was brutally murdered in Budapest in early November. Police arrested an Irish man, her murderer, who claims they had a consensual BDSM encounter during which the woman died. Yesterday, a disturbing video emerged of their arrival at the man’s apartment.

The Irish guy talks about a consensual BDSM encounter

Ms Michalski went missing on the night of 5 November after putting her friend on a plane back to the USA at Budapest Airport. After consuming large amounts of alcohol in multiple Budapest pubs with a 37-year-old Irish guy beginning his marketing job in Budapest, they went to the man’s downtown apartment.

That is the point when two versions of the story begin to unfold. The Irish guy’s version states that the American woman asked him to tie her up and cause her pain. According to the Irish man, at some point during their “consensual BDSM sex”, she fell unconscious and suffocated due to oxygen deprivation.

The American woman died in Budapest because of BDSM sex
Photo: FB/Mackenzie Michalski

According to the family, it was a deliberate murder

The woman’s American boyfriend (allegedly, they broke up before her travel to Hungary), and her family and friends do not believe the Irish guy’s version. The family shared a post on the mother’s Facebook profile highlighting that what happened was a “deliberate and violent murder”.

“One important point needs to be clarified. Based on all available evidence reviewed during consultation with the Hungarian Police, our daughter’s death was in no way accidental despite claims to the contrary. It was a deliberate and violent murder. After our encouraging interactions with the Hungarian Police and other authorities, we remain hopeful that Kenzie’s killer will be held responsible for his crimes to the fullest extent of the law.”

Ms Michalski walked hand in hand with her alleged murderer

The Hungarian police continue to investigate the femicide. After the death of the American woman, the Irish man tried to get rid of the body. He rented a car and placed the corpse in the marshes near Szigliget, close to Lake Balaton. His lawyer, the defender of celebrity-like defendants, György Magyar, says he panicked. That is the reason for his suspicious reaction.

RTL Klub obtained the last hours of the duo in the Budapest downtown apartment recorded by CCTV cameras. The footage makes one thing clear. Neither the man nor the woman were drugged, and both seemed to be aware of what they were doing. They walked hand in hand on the street, and it seems Ms Michalski entered the elevator voluntarily.

The Irish guy’s lawyer says the autopsy will clarify the situation in favour of his client. According to the family, Ms Michalski’s body is already in the USA.

Here is the video:

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Hungarian foreign minister outrages for US sanctions against Putin’s Gazprombank

Gazprombank Russia FM Szijjártó

The inclusion of Russia’s Gazprombank on a United States sanctions list is an intentional step to jeopardise the secure energy supply of countries in Central and Eastern Europe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said in a post on Facebook on Friday.

“If anybody wants to jeopardise our energy supply security, either with sanctions or by shutting down transit deliveries, we consider it an attack on our energy sovereignty,” Szijjártó said. “We reject any attacks on our sovereignty; we will not bow to pressure and will not give up our national interests,” he added.

Szijjártó said Hungary was working with its partners on a solution and would meet with the energy ministers of Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria and Serbia to discuss the situation in Istanbul on Friday, adding that consultations with Slovakia were also underway.

Gazprombank Russia FM Szijjártó
Neagotiations with Pavel Sorokin, the first depuity of Russia’s energy minister. Photo: FB/Szijjártó

Regional cooperation condition for ensuring secure energy supply, says FM Szijjártó

Hungary must closely cooperate with Serbia, Bulgaria and Turkiye to find a solution to ensure secure energy supply amid external pressure, Szijjártó said at the Istanbul Energy Forum on Friday.

In a statement issued by his ministry, Szijjártó said secure energy supply was a matter of national security and sovereignty, but also about physical reality, removed from politics or ideologies. He added that energy mixes were for every nation to decide and any interference in that area was politically or economically motivated.

Szijjártó Istanbul energy forum Gazprombank
Photo: FB/Szijjártó

Endangering a country’s secure energy supply with sanctions or by blocking energy deliveries is an attack on national sovereignty, he said. “We reject all such initiatives which are especially heinous when they come without prior notice,” he added.

Szijjártó noted that the United States’ outgoing government had placed Russia’s Gazprombank on a sanctions list, which could pose a challenge for some countries in Central and Southeastern Europe.

Gazprombank Russia FM Szijjártó
Istanbul energy forum. Photo: FB/Szijjártó

“Therefore, we, the countries of the region, must and will closely work together to find a solution to ensure the secure energy supply of our countries amid the changed circumstances, regardless of any external pressure and attacks,” he said. He praised Serbia, Bulgaria and Türkiye for being dependable transit countries for energy deliveries. “We are not ready to swap dependable partners, especially if we haven’t got any better offer,” he added.

Read also:

  • Opposition Tisza Party: Key to Hungary’s sovereignty is ending Russia energy dependence – details in THIS article
  • Hungarian MOL strengthens ties with KazMunayGas to boost Kazakh oil and gas cooperation – read more HERE

“It was a deliberate and violent murder” – Parents of murdered American woman share update

American woman's boyfriend blames himself for her death

The parents of an American woman who tragically died in Budapest have revealed that her body has been repatriated to the United States. In a detailed statement, they rejected reports suggesting her death was accidental.

The American woman’s death

As we have reported earlier, Mackenzie Michalski, an American tourist, arrived in Budapest in late October but was last seen on 4 November, leaving a nightclub alone. Concern arose when she missed her scheduled departure, and her untouched belongings, including a vital sleep machine, were found in her rented apartment. Authorities later confirmed the 31-year-old was suspected to have been killed by a 37-year-old Irish man she had met at the nightclub.

New information and photos emerged of American woman who went missing in Budapest (Copy)
Photo: PrtScr/Youtube

The killer claims it was an accident

Authorities allege that the Irish man suspected of killing the American woman Mackenzie Michalski took her to his rented apartment before murdering her. He reportedly attempted to hide her body in a suitcase, transporting it to a marshy area in Szigliget. While the suspect has been detained for 30 days to prevent flight, he denies the charges, claiming her death was accidental. His lawyer stated that the man, who has no prior criminal record, insists the incident was a tragic mishap.

Photo: PrtScr/Youtube

The Irish suspect accused of killing the American woman claimed they consumed large amounts of alcohol before engaging in a consensual BDSM encounter on 4 November. He alleges that the American woman fell unconscious and suffocated due to oxygen deprivation during the activity. However, instead of seeking help, the suspect reportedly hid her body in a wardrobe, rented a car, and disposed of her remains in a suitcase in a forest. His lawyer argues these actions were driven by panic and fear, maintaining the death was accidental, not murder. However, this is only the Irish man’s side of the story which has not been backed by any police reports so far.

Kenzie’s parents share an update on the case

As Blikk reports, the parents of the American woman who died in Budapest have shared updates on Facebook, confirming that her body has been returned to the United States. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to both Hungarian and international authorities for their assistance and acknowledged the widespread support they received during this tragic time.

Thank you from the bottom of our broken hearts for the worldwide outpouring of love, support, prayers, kind words and gestures you have all bestowed on our family at this unimaginable time. You have lifted us up—please continue.

However, they also wanted to provide some clarity on the case. They emphasise that their daughter’s death was not an accident by any means. Now, they are seeking justice to be served and the killer held responsible for his violent crimes.

One important point needs to be clarified. Based on all available evidence reviewed during consultation with the Hungarian Police, our daughter’s death was in no way accidental despite claims to the contrary. It was a deliberate and violent murder. After our encouraging interactions with the Hungarian Police and other authorities, we remain hopeful that Kenzie’s killer will be held responsible for his crimes to the fullest extent of the law.

Read also:

Shocking: Forint in free fall, historic lows against the American dollar, GBP, CHF, PLN!

national bank forint nbh new governor

The considerable strengthening course of the American dollar following the victory of Donald Trump makes it hard for the emerging currencies to keep up. Since the Eurozone PMI hit a 10-month low, the euro started to fall against the dollar, worsening the above-mentioned situation. However, the forint performs badly not only against the dollar. The Hungarian currency reached a historic low against the Swiss franc (CHF), the pound sterling (GBP), and even the Polish zloty (PLN).

According to portfolio.hu, the last time the euro was this weak was in November 2022. In October 2022, the forint reached an all-time historic low against the American dollar and the euro. However, thanks to the intervention of the Hungarian National Bank increasing the base rate sky-high, the Hungarian forint’s free fall could be stopped.

Now, the forint exceeds new historic lows against the USD, GBP, CHF and PLN daily.

Hungarian forint historic lows
Photo: FB/MNB

Historic lows against the American dollar, GBP, CHF, PLN

Currently, the Hungarian currency stands at 395.5 against the American dollar. The last time the forint’s depreciation reached such a shocking level against the American currency was in December 2022. The all-time historic low against the dollar was 435.5 on 8 October 2022.

Prospects are grimmer in the case of the Swiss franc. Following the conversion of CHF loans to forint, Hungarians do not follow the exchange rate changes of the CHF. Data show that the last time the Swiss franc was so strong against the forint was in September 2022 with HUF 437/1 CHF. Now, the exchange rate is at an all-time historic low above HUF 444/1 CHF.

forint historic lows
Photo: facebook.com/jegybank

The forint reached an all-time low against the pound sterling in November as well. Currently, the exchange rate is above 495.5. On 10 December 2022, it stood at 487.1. However, the current all-time historic low is the consequence of a constant and gradual weakening, while the 2022 low was just a swing since on 17 December 2022, the exchange rate was “only” 464.

HUF GBP
Source: Google.

Concerning the regional currencies, the Polish zloty also performs better against the forint and stands at a historic high with HUF 94.7/PLN 1 at the moment, even though the strengthening of the dollar is bad news for all emerging currencies like the Polish zloty.

Hungarian forint national bank central bank governor Matolcsy historic lows
György Matolcsy, the governor of the Hungarian National Bank. Photo: FB/MNB

Forint eases on interbank forex market

The forint traded at 411.37 to the euro around 10:00 in the morning on Friday, edging down from 411.06 late Thursday. The forint weakened to 394.00 from 391.96 against the dollar. It slipped to 444.13 from 442.35 to the Swiss franc, the MTI wrote.

BUX rises in early trade

The Budapest Stock Exchange’s main BUX index was up 0.29pc at 79,460.46 about 15 minutes after the opening bell on Friday. OTP Bank edged up 0.09pc to HUF 21,620 and oil and gas company MOL rose 0.37pc to HUF 2,686. Pharma share Richter climbed 0.37pc to HUF 10,850 and Magyar Telekom advanced 0.98pc to HUF 1,240. The BUX finished the session on Thursday up 0.17pc. Turnover reached HUF 11.3bn, MTI added.

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Ex-US Ambassador: Trump could broker respect between Putin and Zelensky, praises Orbán’s efforts for peace

David Cornstein viktor orbán united states russia ukraine trump

US President-elect Donald Trump knows Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky well and if he reaches out to them, the Russian and the Ukrainian presidents will both show respect towards the United States, the former US ambassador to Hungary said in an interview with public television broadcast on Wednesday evening.

Referring to Trump’s pledge towards peace in Ukraine, David Cornstein said Zelensky was fully aware that “the entire ammunition is coming from the United States” which was why he said it would be worth listening to Trump’s advice.

David Cornstein viktor orbán united states russia ukraine
David Cornstein and Viktor Orbán. Photo: Wikimedia Commons/U.S. Embassy in Hungary

Ending the war is also in the interest of central Europe, and a priority issue for Trump, Cornstein said. No country has the right to invade another independent state, said the former ambassador, adding that “it is unacceptable”.

He noted that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had made efforts right from the beginning to have the warring sides sit down for talks, adding that the whole world should have followed suit.

Speaking about the close ties between Orbán and Trump, Cornstein said both of them “are very strong leaders governing along the same principles”. Also, they fully agree on cardinal issues such as migration, the importance of family and the economy, as well as the state’s role in those ares, he added.

The former ambassador said that under the Biden administration there had not been any dialogue between the US ambassador and the Hungarian government. “But, if invited, Trump would most certainly pay a visit to Hungary,” he said.

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