The European Union has reached an agreement to extend sanctions against Russia for another six months, following a deal struck with Hungary. EU foreign ministers made the decision on Monday, January 27, despite Hungary’s initial threat to block the move.
“EU foreign ministers have just agreed to extend sanctions against Russia again. This will continue to deprive Moscow of revenue to fund its war,” emphasized Kaja Kallas. She added that Russia must pay the price for its aggression.
Hungary’s decision to support the extension was reportedly secured through a statement from the EU addressing Budapest’s concerns over energy security.
Media reports indicated that Hungary’s support for the sanctions extension came with a demand for the EU to pressure Ukraine into maintaining the transit of Russian oil and to engage in discussions on gas transit.
Earlier this week, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused Ukraine of attempting to “deceive the Hungarians” on the gas issue and called on the EU to push Kyiv to “open the valves.”
