
Outgoing PM signals readiness to approve €90 billion EU loan once Druzhba pipeline repairs begin
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Hungary's outgoing PM Viktor Orbán said he will lift his veto over a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine if Kyiv restores oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline, potentially as early as Monday. The pipeline, carrying Russian oil through Ukraine to Hungary and Slovakia, has been at the center of diplomatic tensions since February when Orbán vetoed the loan after Ukraine refused to repair infrastructure damaged by Russian strikes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy promised to repair the pipeline by the end of April following opposition leader Péter Magyar's election victory last weekend.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis rejected the British Museum's proposal for the return of the Parthenon Marbles, stating Greece cannot accept any arrangement requiring recognition of the museum's ownership or a loan of its own cultural heritage. The marbles, removed from the Acropolis in the early 19th century under Ottoman rule, remain in London despite ongoing diplomatic talks. Mitsotakis emphasized the need for permanent reunification, citing the sculptures as integral parts of a monument forcibly divided, and referenced past UK support for unconditional return, now withdrawn by current leadership.

A Russian Mi-8 helicopter entered Polish airspace from Kaliningrad on Wednesday, remaining for 42 seconds before exiting, prompting Poland to scramble fighter jets. The incident follows recent accusations of Russian hybrid warfare tactics against NATO allies, including drone attacks and flare incidents, amid ongoing tensions over Russia's war in Ukraine.

Russia is allocating tens of millions of roubles to repair and modernise bomb shelters in Moscow and St Petersburg as Ukrainian drone strikes intensify on Russian territory, with procurement data showing funds for nine Moscow facilities and metro shelter projects in St Petersburg, while Kyiv seeks to de-escalate the conflict through energy and food security talks.

The trial of six French nationals suspected of Islamic State membership began in Baghdad, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty. The suspects were transferred from Syria to Iraq last year and face charges of terrorist organisation membership. Their lawyers demand repatriation to France, citing rushed proceedings. The trial follows a recent visit by Iraq's Prime Minister to France to strengthen bilateral security cooperation against Daesh.

Mutual threats between the US and Iran raised fears of renewed hostilities ahead of the UN General Assembly, with Iran's IRGC warning of a 'long-term war' and Trump stating he was weighing options including military action, while the US issued security warnings for citizens in the Middle East and Iran demanded lifting sanctions as precondition for peace.

Yemen's Houthis assured Washington they will not attack US vessels in the Red Sea, following reports that US President Donald Trump cancelled planned strikes against the group at the last minute amid surging conflict with Saudi Arabia.