Hungary agrees to EU compromise on Russia sanctions — media

Politico reported the information.

The outlet noted that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán repeatedly threatened that the country might block the extension of sanctions, causing serious concern in Brussels.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned Orbán’s potential actions, stating that blocking sanctions at a critical moment in the war in Ukraine would signal that Hungary supports Russia.

However, according to diplomats, a last-minute agreement was reached, preventing the sanctions from being blocked. Budapest is expected to step back in exchange for a statement addressing Hungary’s concerns about "energy security."

EU ambassadors plan to hold an urgent meeting on the matter, with the finalization of the agreement expected during a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys remarked that the scenario of Hungary blocking sanctions was unlikely, as it would have put the entire EU in a difficult position and complicated U.S. efforts to maintain stability in Europe.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed readiness to strike a deal to supply Azerbaijani gas to Hungary and Slovakia, cautioning that the Kremlin should not profit from this transit. He emphasized that Ukraine does not intend to continue the transit of Russian gas.

Turkey also expressed readiness to assist in resolving energy issues, stating it is prepared to replace Ukraine as a transit partner.

• Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó visited Moscow on December 2, meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov