Hungary's ruling party faces a strong opposition challenge ahead of elections

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his ruling Fidesz party are facing a significant challenge in upcoming elections. Polls show the opposition Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, has widened its lead over Fidesz.

Orbán has accused Ukraine of financing the Hungarian opposition and called a European Union plan for Ukraine's accelerated accession a 'declaration of war' on Hungary. Meanwhile, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has called for the EU to begin direct peace talks with Russia.