Aug 12, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC

Hungary's opposition Tisza Party parliamentary faction convened on Saturday to vote on its candidate for the upcoming presidential election. Faction leader Andrea Bujdosó confirmed that lawmakers aim to choose a nominee from a shortlist of three undisclosed individuals before the official submission deadline at 10:00 AM on Monday.

The National Assembly is scheduled to elect Hungary's new president on Tuesday, August 11. The presidential office became vacant on July 20 following the conclusion of former President Tamás Sulyok's term under recent constitutional amendments.

Sources: 444, HVG, Telex

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia will not secure a total victory in Ukraine, emphasizing that Kyiv will not voluntarily withdraw from the Donbas region. Speaking on national broadcasts, Zelensky noted that post-war security commitments from the United States remain vital for long-term Ukrainian stability.

Addressing military developments, Zelensky highlighted that Moscow relocated several frontline air defense units to establish three protective rings around Moscow and Saint Petersburg following recent Ukrainian strikes. Cross-border skirmishes and aerial bombardments persisted across several regions, with Ukrainian drone strikes reported near Gelendzhik and Belgorod, while Russian forces maintained aerial attacks on Ukrainian targets, including Kherson and Dnipro.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica, La Stampa.

US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have dismissed media reports alleging that American military ammunition reserves are dangerously low following recent conflict with Iran. Writing on Truth Social, Trump stated that the armed forces maintain "huge amounts of 'ammunition', especially certain types," while warning that unauthorized disclosures regarding military inventories could lead to lengthy prison sentences.

Concurrently, Trump claimed that diplomatic discussions between Washington and Tehran have resumed, framing the talks as Iran's final opportunity to reach a agreement. Iranian officials previously stated that no negotiations were taking place or planned.

Domestically, the administration faces legal challenges from multiple US states over newly introduced trade tariffs, alongside declining public approval ratings in recent polling ahead of November's midterm elections.

Sources: Der Standard, Die Zeit, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau

Former Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte appeared before a parliamentary inquiry commission investigating the country's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. During a testimony lasting over three hours, the Five Star Movement leader defended his administration's containment measures and rejected accusations of misconduct.

Conte informed lawmakers that he had submitted an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors regarding a 100-million-euro procurement contract for masks with JC Electronics, urging authorities to investigate potential counterfeiting. He also accused the parliamentary panel of acting as a political tool for the governing coalition rather than an impartial review body. The hearing at Palazzo San Macuto experienced a four-hour delay due to parliamentary scheduling conflicts before proceeding.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica.

Ukraine's armed forces are undergoing structural reorganization following the appointment of Mychajlo Drapatyj as top commander, replacing former leadership practices. Meanwhile, Ukraine's ambassador to the United Kingdom and former commander-in-chief, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, stated that Ukraine "will never join" NATO, arguing the alliance remains anchored in outdated tactics unsuited for modern warfare.

Domestically, the Security Service of Ukraine reported disrupting dozens of Russian assassination attempts targeting military personnel through lured contacts on dating applications. On the battlefield, military analysts warn of severe operational challenges heading into winter as Russian forces deploy jet-powered Geran-4 drones and expand ballistic missile production beyond prior estimates.

Sources: Deník N, Ekonomický deník, Hospodářské noviny, Respect, Seznam Zprávy