PM Orbán rejects extending sanctions against Putin
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has caused a stir by vetoing the extension of anti-Putin sanctions imposed by the EU. Orbán claims that these sanctions have had a devastating effect on Hungary, resulting in a loss of €19 billion. He outlined three conditions that Ukraine must meet if they seek his support for the extension of sanctions.
According to diplomats in Brussels, there is a possibility that Orbán may change his stance in the future. However, for now, he has blocked the extension of the sanctions, which require unanimous approval in Brussels. Without Hungary’s agreement, Putin may now have access to frozen Russian assets worth $200 billion, enabling him to resume trading activities as before the invasion of Ukraine.
Orbán laid out three demands in exchange for his approval, including persuading Ukraine to restore the gas route and refrain from attacking the gas import routes, as well as guarantees that they will not engage in underhanded actions with oil deliveries. He also suggested that the EU should wait for the outcome of the US presidential election before deciding on extending the sanctions.
Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó, criticized the EU’s sanctions policy against Russia, stating that it has caused significant damage to the Hungarian economy. He emphasized that these policies conflict with Hungary’s interests and have not brought peace closer nor put pressure on the Russian economy. Szijjártó also highlighted Ukraine’s actions that have impacted Hungary’s energy security and contributed to rising energy prices.
The Hungarian government is calling for clear answers and guarantees from the EU before making a decision at Monday’s foreign ministerial council meeting. With tensions rising and sanctions at stake, the future of Hungary’s stance on anti-Putin sanctions remains uncertain.
