The European Union has agreed to prolong for 6 months a raft of sanctions aimed at depriving Russia of funds to finance its war against Ukraine

Hungary on Monday withdrew a veto halting the extension of the European Union's sanctions on Russia, paving the way for the measures to be in place for another six months. A delegation of the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban backed the decision at a meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers in Brussels after receiving guarantees on energy

Hungary may approve the extension of sanctions against Russia in exchange for a statement that addresses the country's concerns about energy securit

The EU will be able to renew its sectoral sanctions against Russia after Hungary abandoned its veto threat, which it had linked to energy concerns. View on euronews

“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.”

The European Union is facing another potential showdown with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban over his refusal to sign off on an extension of sanctions on Russia over its war against Ukraine.

Hungary wants the European Union to intervene in a gas dispute it has with Ukraine, a potential sign of friction in the bloc’s upcoming discussions over renewing sanctions against Russia.

On Monday, January 27, the foreign ministers of the EU's "27" will fly to Brussels to discuss, among other things, further sanctions against Russia during a Council meeting.

Hungary wants the European Union to persuade Ukraine to resume gas transit from Russia to Europe, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday, signalling a tough debate as the EU seeks to extend its sanctions against Russia over the coming week.