Hungary blocks sanctions against Russia, demanding the restoration of gas transit through Ukraine

Hungary has once again slowed down the adoption of a European Union decision to extend sanctions against Russia. Budapest has put forward a condition: pressure on Ukraine to restore the transit of Russian gas to Europe, which was suspended earlier this year.

This is reported by Bloomberg.

At a meeting of representatives of EU countries on Friday, the Hungarian delegation expressed concern about the country's energy security, which became the basis for blocking a decision on sanctions, which expire on January 31. The issue is now to be considered by EU foreign ministers at a meeting on Monday.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has bluntly stated that his country expects a change in political course after the possible inauguration of Donald Trump, with whom he has established close relations. Orbán hinted that these geopolitical factors could influence Hungary’s position in the future.

However, the situation has become more complicated after Trump’s statements this week that Russia could face new sanctions in the absence of a “deal” to end the war. This has created new challenges for Hungarian diplomacy and increased tensions in the discussions.

At the same time, Budapest’s actions are causing concern among other EU members, as they once again demonstrate Hungary’s dependence on Russian energy imports. Critics believe that such a position by Hungary not only endangers the unity of the European Union, but also plays into the hands of Russia, which seeks to weaken the pressure of sanctions.

Despite this, European partners continue to look for ways to reach a consensus. One possible strategy could be to introduce alternative mechanisms to support Hungary’s energy security, which would allow it to remove its blocking of EU decisions.