If Orban blocks EU sanctions he is on Putin's team - Tusk
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (photo: Getty Images)
Hungary may block the automatic extension of European sanctions against Russia. Such a move would confirm that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is acting in Moscow's interests, Poland believes. It was stated by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on X.
The other day, Hungarian Cabinet Minister Gergely Gulyás said that Donald Trump's presidency in the United States had created a "new situation" in which sanctions against Russia should not be automatically extended.
"If Orban really blocks European sanctions at a key moment for the war, it’ll be absolutely clear that in this big game for the security and future of Europe, he is playing in Putin’s team, not in ours. With all the consequences of this fact," the Polish Prime Minister responded.
Extension of EU sanctions against Russia
EU ambassadors are due to meet soon to discuss the automatic extension of sanctions against Russia. Previously, such decisions, which require unanimous support, were made without difficulty. This time around, the EU is concerned about Hungary's plans to block the extension, as it has no backup options.
However, European diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas recently expressed optimism that EU sanctions against Russia will be extended before they expire.
"I see no reason to ease or lift sanctions now," she said.
