“Now the issue of extending sanctions is on the agenda, I have put on the handbrake and asked European leaders to understand that this cannot continue,” said Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, speaking to state broadcaster Kossuth Radio. “Hungary cannot be made to pay the price of sanctions in such proportions.”

Hungary has not yet decided whether to support the sanctions rollover due at the end of this month. The EU renews sanctions every six months and requires unanimity among its 27 member countries to do so.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called on the European Union to pressure Ukraine to re-establish the transit of Russian gas to Europe, and linked the issue to extending sanctions against Moscow.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is conditioning the extension of sanctions against Russia on Ukraine, meeting several conditions. Among these, he mentions the resumption of the transit of Russian gas through its territory and ensuring the security of oil supplies.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said he wants the European Union to intervene over a gas dispute between his country and Ukraine – a potential sign of friction in the bloc’s upcoming discussions over renewing sanctions against Russia.

Hungary prolonged its blockage of the renewal of sanctions against Russia as Prime Minister Viktor Orban called on the European Union to pressure Ukraine to re-establish the transit of Russian gas to Europe.