The streets of Budapest are alive with celebration, a mood mirrored across European capitals. The ousting of Vladimir Putin’s staunchest EU ally marks a dramatic pivot for Hungary, igniting hopes of renewed unity within the bloc. Leaders from Paris to Berlin are welcoming the shift, viewing it as a vital opportunity to mend frayed diplomatic ties and strengthen collective security against external threats.

However, the jubilation stops at the Russian border. Moscow remains visibly unmoved, if not displeased, by the unraveling of its influence in Central Europe. While the West toasts a strategic victory, the Kremlin faces a significant setback, losing a critical foothold that has long served its interests in the heart of the continent.