Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin today for bilateral talks. Germany has emerged as Ukraine’s primary supporter amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, especially as U.S. assistance has diminished under President Donald Trump. Kyiv aims to maintain strong ties with Berlin. Discussions will likely cover collaborative defense projects, including drone development. Participating ministers include Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal, and Economy Minister Oleksii Sobolev.
In Hungary, election victor Péter Magyar is set to confer with President Tamás Sulyok on Wednesday regarding the formation of a new government after his surprising triumph over Viktor Orbán in Sunday’s vote. The encounter may prove tense, as Magyar has publicly urged Sulyok, seen as an Orbán ally, to step down. Magyar previously stated that Sulyok merely approves all documents presented to him and does not fulfill the role of president adequately.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance commented overnight on his recent trip to Budapest to back Orbán during the campaign’s closing phase. In a Fox News interview, Vance expressed disappointment at Orbán’s loss but emphasized that his involvement was not related to Russia or broader European issues. Instead, it was an expression of gratitude for Orbán’s stance against EU bureaucracy, which Vance said has harmed U.S. interests. He noted Orbán’s unique support for American companies against European regulations.
Vance acknowledged the possibility of Orbán’s defeat but chose to support a long-time ally. He praised Orbán as an effective leader whose 16-year tenure profoundly reshaped Hungary. However, Vance assured that the U.S. would maintain positive relations with Hungary’s new prime minister.
This is the Europe Live update for Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
