Hungary to agree to new sanctions on Russia after deal with Trump
Photo: Hungary named another condition for sanctions against Russia (Getty Images)
Hungary has set another condition for further EU sanctions against Russia. Budapest states that it will agree to new sanctions only after reaching an agreement with US President Donald Trump, according to Hungary's Minister of European Affairs, János Bóka quoted by N-TV.
The Hungarian minister made this statement in an interview with the German publication Welt am Sonntag. János Bóka is one of the closest confidants of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
The Orbán government believes the EU must be very cautious when adopting new sanctions against Russia. According to Bóka, EU member states must reach an agreement with the new Trump administration on the meaning and content of the new sanctions package.
"Without such an agreement, the Hungarian government sees no grounds for further sanction decisions," the Hungarian minister said.
EU sanctions against Russia
As a reminder, the European Union plans to adopt its 16th sanctions package against Russia by the third anniversary of the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine. According to media reports, over 30 individuals and legal entities from Russia, China, and North Korea could be added to the sanctions list.
As Politico notes, the EU will not prohibit the purchase of Russian liquefied natural gas but intends to introduce certain restrictions. Politico points out that these restrictions will not significantly affect LNG imports.
Soon, the EU is expected to extend the sanctions it previously imposed on Russia. Hungary is blocking the decision. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that he would lift the veto if Ukraine resumes the transit of Russian gas.
