Eurotopics.net

Tensions are rising in the row between Kyiv and Budapest. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sharply condemned Hungary's ongoing blockade of a 90-billion-euro loan, and ironically warned he would give the contact details of this "one person" to the Ukrainian military "so that they can call him and speak to him in their own language".

At the Winter Paralympics in Italy, the decision to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their countries' flags has met with widespread criticism. At the same time the Ukrainian team has been banned from wearing outfits featuring a map of Ukraine that includes the Russian-occupied territories. Several countries have joined Ukraine in announcing that they will boycott the opening ceremony.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reiterated his "No to war in Iran!" in a televised address on Wednesday. The day before, US President Donald Trump had strongly criticised Spain in the presence of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for refusing to allow the US to use two military bases on its territory and threatened to sever trade relations with Spain. Commentators take stock of the leaders' behaviour in this delicate situation.

In reaction to ongoing strikes, Iran has fired missiles and drones at Israel, US bases in the region and targets in its wealthy Gulf neighbour states. However, most of the projectiles have been intercepted. Turkey has said it shot down a missile that was apparently aimed at Cyprus. The Gulf states' relations with the Tehran on the one hand, and with Washington and Tel Aviv on the other are becoming increasingly complex.