Hungary threatens to block continuation of EU sanctions against Russia, demands restrictions lifted on 3 Russian oligarchs

This was reported by the European edition of Radio Sviboda with reference to sources in diplomatic circles.

It should be noted that the EU plans to extend sanctions against individuals and legal entities involved in Russia's full-scale invasion for another six months. The ambassadors of the member countries are to discuss this issue on September 7. The current sanctions expire on September 15. The decision requires the unanimity of all EU members.

There is speculation in Brussels that Hungary is using the extension of sanctions as leverage to force Brussels to approve EU funds, which have so far been held up due to concerns about the country's rule of law violations.

Hungary demands leniency for 3 Russian oligarchs, namely Alisher Usmanov, Petr Aven, and Viktor Rashnikov.

In addition to these three oligarchs, Budapest is also asking for an exception for humanitarian organizations to work with some Russian banks currently under sanctions.

The publication notes that Usmanov and Aven were added to the sanctions list at the end of February. The official journal of the EU calls Usmanov "a pro-Kremlin oligarch with particularly close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin." He is called one of "Putin's favorite oligarchs" and is believed to solve his business problems.

Aven, the EU says, "is one of approximately 50 wealthy Russian businessmen who regularly meet with Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin."

Rashnikov, in turn, was added to the list in March, and Brussels called him "a leading Russian oligarch who is the owner and chairman of the board of directors of Magnitogorsk Metallurgical Combine."