Hungary set to block EU's final push for anniversary sanctions on Russia
Hungarian foreign minister Péter Szijjártó (photo: flickr.com photos vladacg)
Hungarian foreign minister Péter Szijjártó announced that his country plans to block the EU's 20th sanctions package targeting Russia.
Read also: EU fails to agree on 20th sanctions package against Russia, diplomats say
"At tomorrow's Foreign Affairs Council, the EU aims to adopt the 20th sanctions package. Hungary will block it," Szijjártó said.
The Hungarian minister stated that his country will not allow the EU to adopt decisions important to Ukraine until Kyiv restores oil transit to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline.
What's in 20th sanctions package
On February 6, the European Commission presented the draft 20th sanctions package against Russia, planned for approval by February 24—the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion.
The main targets are energy and finance: proposals include a total ban on maritime services for Russian oil, expanding the "shadow fleet" sanctions list to 640 vessels, and blocking tanker servicing.
Several EU countries are reportedly seeking to soften the anniversary sanctions package. This includes the Commission's proposals limiting foreign ports and banks that help Russia sell oil illegally.
According to media reports, several European capitals have expressed concerns about restrictions on strategic ports in Georgia and Indonesia under the 20th sanctions package.
Additionally, sources say Italy and Spain oppose sanctions against a Cuban bank, the island's only financial institution that handles foreign currency and serves diplomats and EU citizens.
