Hungary New PM Condemns Russia Drone Attack Shift From Kremlin 2026

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has signaled a dramatic break from his predecessor's pro-Kremlin policies, summoning the Russian ambassador after a massive drone attack near Hungary's border. The move marks a significant shift in Hungary's stance on the Ukraine war, as the new government strongly condemns Moscow's actions and demands an end to the conflict.

Hungary's New Foreign Policy Direction

In a press conference, Magyar declared, "The Hungarian government strongly condemns the Russian attack on Transcarpathia." He announced that the foreign minister would meet with the Russian ambassador to ask "when Russia and Vladimir Putin plan to finally end this bloody war."

This is a stark contrast to the outgoing government, which was voted out of office this month. Under the previous administration, Hungary blocked EU aid for Ukraine and tried to slow Kyiv's efforts to join the European Union. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded on X: "Thank you for your compassion and strong position!"

Massive Drone Attack on Ukraine

Russia fired at least 800 drones in a massive daytime barrage across about 20 regions of Ukraine on Wednesday. The strikes came as Kyiv and Moscow traded long-range attacks after a brief ceasefire. Ukrainian monitors detected at least eight salvoes of Russian drones, including some entering from Belarus, with the apparent target being Kyiv's critical infrastructure.

Poland scrambled fighter jets as a preventive measure due to the Russian airstrikes on Ukraine, the Polish army said. Moscow launched another heavy bombardment early on Thursday, launching 675 drones and 56 missiles at Ukraine, Kyiv's air force reported.

Air Defense Successes and Damage

Ukraine's air force said air defenses had downed 652 Russian drones and 41 missiles, and that 38 hits had been recorded across 24 locations. Damage from debris was reported at another 18 locations, highlighting the widespread impact of the attacks.

Russian Border Governors Step Down

The governors of two Russian regions bordering Ukraine, both frequent targets of Ukrainian attacks, have stepped down. Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod Region, and Alexander Bogomaz, governor of the Bryansk Region, both resigned at their own request, the Kremlin said.

Russian media reported that Alexander Shuvaev, a highly decorated veteran, is the new governor of Belgorod, and Yegor Kovalchuk, a banking, legal and administrative specialist, has become governor of Bryansk. The governor of the border region of Kursk, Alexei Smirnov, was dismissed after a mass incursion by Ukrainian forces in 2024 and jailed earlier this year on corruption charges.

US Aid Bill for Ukraine Gains Momentum

Supporters of a bill in the US to aid Ukraine and sanction Russia have reached a critical threshold. Lawmakers gained 218 signatures on a petition that will force a House vote in the coming weeks. The legislation seeks to cement US assistance for Ukraine by approving more than $1 billion in security aid and making another $8 billion available in loans.

While the measure is unlikely to become law, the vote will put lawmakers on record concerning their support for Ukraine. This development comes as the war enters a new phase, with both sides continuing long-range strikes and diplomatic shifts reshaping the conflict's dynamics.

Key Takeaways from the Ukraine War Briefing

• Hungary's new PM condemns Russian drone attack and summons ambassador
• Russia launched 800 drones on Wednesday, followed by 675 drones and 56 missiles on Thursday
• Two Russian border governors step down amid ongoing Ukrainian counterattacks
• US lawmakers force a vote on a $9 billion Ukraine aid package

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Hungary's new PM summoning the Russian ambassador?

Péter Magyar is summoning the ambassador to protest a massive Russian drone attack near Hungary's border in Transcarpathia. This represents a major shift from the previous government's pro-Kremlin stance, as the new administration seeks to distance itself from Moscow and support Ukraine.

How many drones and missiles did Russia launch in the recent attacks?

Russia fired at least 800 drones on Wednesday across 20 Ukrainian regions. The following day, Moscow launched 675 drones and 56 missiles. Ukraine's air force reported successfully downing 652 drones and 41 missiles, though 38 hits were recorded across 24 locations.

What is the status of US aid for Ukraine?

A bill to provide over $1 billion in security aid and $8 billion in loans to Ukraine has gained 218 signatures in the US House, forcing a vote. While the legislation faces an uncertain path to becoming law, it will put lawmakers on record regarding their support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war.