Orban ties Russian sanctions to Ukraine's energy concessions
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is making the extension of sanctions against Russia contingent on Ukraine fulfilling several conditions. Among these, he has mentioned the resumption of Russian gas transit through Ukrainian territory and ensuring the security of oil supplies.
Prime Minister Orban has stated that he will only agree to extend sanctions against Russia if Ukraine meets specific conditions. According to "Kommersant," Orban demands the resumption of gas transit from Russia and assurances regarding the cessation of attacks on the "Turkish Stream" pipeline.
It should be noted that Kyiv did not renew the five-year agreement with Russia on gas transit after it lapsed on 1 January 2025. Consequently, Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria have lost access to the cheap resources previously available from Vladimir Putin.
Orban has emphasised that Ukraine should also ensure that oil transit remains uninterrupted. "If you want Europe to maintain sanctions, and we are the ones bearing their costs, then at least reduce our financial losses," Orban stated on Kossuth Radio.
The decision to extend sanctions requires the unanimous approval of all 27 EU member states. The next vote on this matter is scheduled for 31 January. In the past, Orban has called for lifting the sanctions, arguing that they are detrimental to the European economy.
