UKRAINE:  United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said today that Nato membership for Ukraine was unrealistic.

In sweeping remarks he suggested the way forward for Ukraine would be to abandon hopes of a return to its pre-2014 borders and prepare for a negotiated settlement with Russia, backed by an international force of troops.

Mr Hegseth made the comments during his first trip to meet Nato military allies.

AUSTRIA: Austrian far-right leader Herbert Kickl’s talks on forming a coalition government with the right-wing party Austrian People’s Party have collapsed, he announced today.

The talks had appeared increasingly troubled in recent days, with constant talk of policy differences and a clash over who would be given which government ministries.

HUNGARY: Hungary’s nationalist prime minister hosted a German far-right party’s candidate for chancellor in Germany’s upcoming elections today.

Viktor Orban met with Alice Weidel, co-leader of Alternative for Germany (AfD). In a news conference following their meeting, Mr Orban said: “It’s completely clear that the AfD is the future,” adding that all of the far-right party’s platform, from immigration to the economy, would be “beneficial for Hungary” if it were implemented in Germany.

ROMANIA: President Klaus Iohannis stepped down after more than a decade in office today to be replaced by the senate president, who will serve in an interim capacity until a new presidential election is held in spring.

Ilie Bolojan, a former mayor and leader of the right-wing National Liberal Party, will serve as acting president until a successor is elected in a presidential race scheduled for May.