Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban has threatened to block EU sanctions on Russia if the bloc does not open an energy pipeline supplying gas through Ukraine. The EU currently imposes 15 rounds of economic sanctions since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, but these will only be extended by January 31 unless all members agree. Orban, a right-wing populist supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin, accuses Brussels of pressuring Ukraine to close the pipeline, which delivers gas to Hungary and other central European countries.
Ukraine turned off the pipeline on January 1 after refusing to renew a deal with Russian gas giant Gazprom. The move led to Hungary importing gas through an alternative route, the Turkish Stream pipeline, but Orban blames Ukraine for this setup. He also claims that EU sanctions have cost Hungary €19 billion in the past three years, exceeding its annual tax revenue.
Orban has accused the Ukrainian armed forces of attacking the pipeline and has criticized Brussels for Hungary’s economic struggles, blaming sanctions for financial losses while accusing them of interfering with Hungarian affairs. In an interview, he stated, “We are asking for help… It’s not right that we continue to bear the economic consequences of sanctions.”
EU officials are hopeful Orban will back off this time, as there is reportedly no alternative plan B. However, one diplomat noted that if Orban succeeds in undermining the EU’s position, it could severely damage transatlantic relations. Meanwhile, newly elected US President Donald Trump has also threatened further sanctions on Russia over its war in Ukraine.
The EU and Hungary face uncertainty as Orban’s ties to Trump could influence his ability to blackmail Brussels into extending sanctions.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/hungarys-orban-threatens-to-block-eu-sanctions-on-russia/a-71404115