Trump convinced Hungary to support extension of sanctions against Russia – Polish Foreign Minister
Photo: Radosław Sikorski, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump likely influenced Hungary on the issue of extending the European Union's sanctions against Russia. As a result, Budapest voted in favor of extending the restrictions, stated Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, according to RMF24.
The media outlet recalls that the Polish Foreign Minister participated in a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, where the decision to extend economic sanctions against Russia, imposed due to the war in Ukraine, was made. The main stumbling block regarding the sanctions was Hungary's position.
According to Sikorski, Hungary decided to lift its veto on the extension of sanctions following a statement by Trump, who clearly labeled Vladimir Putin an aggressor and threatened Russia with sanctions if Moscow did not agree to peace negotiations. This prompted Budapest to change its stance.
"I think President Trump helped here," the Minister said.
Sikorski also noted that the adoption of the 16th sanctions package against Russia, which could be approved as early as February 24, is on the task list of Poland's EU presidency.
Extension of sanctions
Today, January 27, European Union foreign ministers unanimously supported the extension of sanctions against Russia. There was a risk that Hungary might block this decision.
In particular, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated last week that his country would support the extension of sanctions if it received guarantees for the uninterrupted supply of gas and oil.
