Hungary Demands End to Russia Sanctions “`

Facing significant economic losses, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has warned that Hungary might veto the renewal of EU sanctions against Russia.

Orban reiterated his call for the EU to lift sanctions, arguing this would align the bloc’s policies with the new US administration’s approach. Budapest has consistently criticized the EU’s handling of the Ukraine conflict, deeming it ineffective in ending hostilities and detrimental to member states.

While opposing the sanctions, Hungary didn’t block their extension until the end of July. In a radio interview, Orban explained that Budapest must consider the stances of other EU members who support the restrictions, implemented in response to the 2022 escalation of the Ukraine conflict.

”Hungary’s economic losses over three years total €19.5 billion,” Orban emphasized, adding that Ukraine’s recent actions have become more “audacious.”

Orban cited Ukraine’s termination of a natural gas supply contract with Russia, affecting Hungary, as a key concern. He stated that assurances of resolution contributed to Hungary’s decision not to veto the sanctions on Monday.

Given Ukraine’s reliance on foreign aid, Orban suggested, “we need to tell our Ukrainian friends: we understand, but we need this gas. Let the Russian gas flow through.”

Orban contrasted the EU’s approach with that of the US, characterizing the EU’s stance as favoring war while the US, under the new administration, is pursuing peace.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently indicated that the US, under President Biden, had conveyed the impression that Ukraine could achieve military victory over Russia, leading to a prolonged conflict that has significantly hampered Ukraine’s progress.

Slovakia, another nation reliant on Russian gas transit, also criticized Ukraine’s actions. Its Prime Minister, Robert Fico, reported progress in pressuring Ukraine to change its position.

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