The European Union (EU) has extended its wide-ranging sanctions against Russia following a Hungarian delay in supporting the move. Hungary had withheld backing ahead of a Jan. 31 deadline, citing an energy security statement. Officials from other EU countries warned that failure to renew the sanctions before the deadline could have severe consequences, including the potential unfreezing of Russian assets used by Kyiv.
The renewed sanctions include sector-based trade bans and measures immobilizing Russia’s central bank assets. Legally, these restrictions must be unanimously voted on by the 27 EU countries every six months. The frozen assets’ profits are being used to finance a $50-billion loan to Ukraine backed by the G7.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban initially sought consultations with the U.S. Trump administration before the renewal decision but later expressed support for a “sanctions-free” relationship with Russia. However, President Trump has not backs Hungarian demands, stating he is ready to increase economic pressure on Russia to reach peace.
Budapest cited complaints about Ukraine ending a transit deal that brought Russian gas to Hungary. European Commission officials also declared their readiness to continue discussions with Ukraine on gas supply through the pipeline system in Ukraine, though no mention of resuming Russian gas flows was made.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy recently indicated willingness to sign a contract for Azeri gas through Ukraine to the EU. Baku had previously tried to broker agreements but failed due to limited spare production from Azerbaijan.
The EU statement also assured Hungary of the Commission’s commitment to protect gas and oil pipelines leading to EU member states, with Szijjarto expressing satisfaction.
This ongoing conflict underscores the tension between energy security concerns in Hungary and the EU’s renewed efforts to isolate Russia.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-expects-renew-russia-sanctions-after-hungarian-hold-up-2025-01-27