Hungary vetoed latest EU sanctions against Russia
Hungary and Greece are opposing new EU sanctions against Russia, causing a delay in their implementation. The 11th sanctions package is designed to target countries that assist Russia in its war efforts in Ukraine or help it avoid trade sanctions. However, Hungary and Greece are demanding that their companies — OTP Bank and other unnamed firms — be removed from Ukraine’s list of war sponsors before they support the sanctions. Germany’s foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, has criticised Hungary’s stance, claiming that OTP Bank supports Putin’s war efforts by providing loans to soldiers. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó rejected this claim, but the country’s pro-Russia and pro-China stance has frustrated other EU member states. The new sanctions remain on hold until an agreement can be reached.
