Orban agrees to extend sanctions against Russia under cynical condition: what demand did he make

Hungary is ready to unblock the extension of sanctions against Russia if Ukraine resumes the transit of Russian gas through its territory. At the same time, Budapest wants guarantees that oil transit from Russia will not suffer the same fate.

This was stated by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, according to 24.hu. Speaking on local radio, he complained that the European Union supports Ukraine more than the Central European countries that are part of the EU.

"If Ukraine wants to get our help, for example, by imposing sanctions against Russia, then please let it restart the gas route," Orban said. According to him, this would require "one phone call from Brussels."

The Hungarian prime minister added that he urged the European Union to put pressure on Ukraine to resume Russian gas transit. And while the EU is considering his request, he was forced to "put on the emergency brake" on the renewal of sanctions against Russia. Without the unanimous support of all 27 EU member states, the sanctions will be lifted after January 31.

At the same time, Orban demands guarantees from Ukraine to protect against possible attacks on the main alternative route of Russian gas supplies to Hungary – the Turkish Stream. He also wants oil transit to Hungary through Ukraine to be protected from possible suspension.

Earlier, the Hungarian prime minister had repeatedly called for the lifting of sanctions against Russia and supported US President Donald Trump in his efforts to end the war in Ukraine, even by cutting off financial support for Ukraine. However, the American leader's threats to extend sanctions against Russia if it does not sign a peace agreement with Ukraine caught the Hungarian government off guard.

On January 23, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that his country plans to consult with the Trump administration before a final decision on sanctions against Russia is made. He said that this issue would be discussed at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on January 27.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that if sanctions are lifted, the EU will be forced to unfreeze $500 billion worth of sovereign Russian assets held in EU banks. In this case, the EU is developing a contingency plan, under which it may appeal to the King of Belgium to apply an 81-year-old law and not prevent the transfer of Russian assets.

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