EU country advocates for removal of Russia sanctions
Hungary has urged the EU to lift sanctions on Russia, with Prime Minister Orban warning that he will veto their renewal if the economic repercussions worsen. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has indicated that Hungary may veto the renewal of sanctions if the ongoing economic damage continues. He has also reiterated his call for the EU to lift its sanctions on Russia, asserting that the bloc’s policies need to align with the new U.S. administration. Orban has criticized Brussels' handling of the Ukraine conflict, arguing that it has failed to end the hostilities and has adversely affected EU member states.
On Monday, the EU decided to extend its existing sanctions until the end of July. Despite its opposition, Hungary did not block this measure. In a weekly interview with state-owned Kossuth Radio, Orban emphasized the necessity of considering the views of other EU members who support the restrictions imposed on Russia due to the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.
"The Hungarian interest is clear: we have lost 19.5 billion in three years," Orban highlighted, noting that Ukraine's behavior has become more "impudent." He referenced Ukraine's refusal last year to extend a contract that permitted the supply of Russian natural gas to European consumers, including Hungary.
Orban explained that Budapest has been assured the issue would be addressed, which influenced its decision not to obstruct the sanctions on Monday.
Given Ukraine’s reliance on foreign aid, Orban remarked, “we just need to get on our heels and say: dear Ukrainian friends, we understand everything, but we need this. Let the Russian gas through.”
He compared the EU's approach to that of recently inaugurated U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming that Washington is advocating for peace while Brussels appears to favor conflict.
In a recent interview, Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that under President Joe Biden, the U.S. has “somehow led people to believe” in the possibility of a Ukrainian military victory over Russia, which has contributed to a prolonged stalemate and regressed Ukraine’s development.
Similarly, Slovakia, another country reliant on Russian gas, has voiced criticism over Ukraine's closure of the transit pipeline through its territory. On Thursday, Prime Minister Robert Fico asserted that his pressure campaign against Kiev is proving effective, as he has observed a shift in Ukraine’s position.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
On Monday, the EU decided to extend its existing sanctions until the end of July. Despite its opposition, Hungary did not block this measure. In a weekly interview with state-owned Kossuth Radio, Orban emphasized the necessity of considering the views of other EU members who support the restrictions imposed on Russia due to the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.
"The Hungarian interest is clear: we have lost 19.5 billion in three years," Orban highlighted, noting that Ukraine's behavior has become more "impudent." He referenced Ukraine's refusal last year to extend a contract that permitted the supply of Russian natural gas to European consumers, including Hungary.
Orban explained that Budapest has been assured the issue would be addressed, which influenced its decision not to obstruct the sanctions on Monday.
Given Ukraine’s reliance on foreign aid, Orban remarked, “we just need to get on our heels and say: dear Ukrainian friends, we understand everything, but we need this. Let the Russian gas through.”
He compared the EU's approach to that of recently inaugurated U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming that Washington is advocating for peace while Brussels appears to favor conflict.
In a recent interview, Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that under President Joe Biden, the U.S. has “somehow led people to believe” in the possibility of a Ukrainian military victory over Russia, which has contributed to a prolonged stalemate and regressed Ukraine’s development.
Similarly, Slovakia, another country reliant on Russian gas, has voiced criticism over Ukraine's closure of the transit pipeline through its territory. On Thursday, Prime Minister Robert Fico asserted that his pressure campaign against Kiev is proving effective, as he has observed a shift in Ukraine’s position.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
