Hungary Threatens to Block EU Sanctions Over Ukraine Gas Dispute

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán demands Ukraine reopen a Russian gas pipeline as a condition for Hungary's support of EU sanctions renewal.

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has tied his support for extending EU sanctions on Russia to Ukraine reopening the Druzhba gas pipeline for Russian transit.
Ukraine halted the pipeline's operation on January 1 after its transit deal with Gazprom expired, citing the deal's greater profitability for Russia.
Orbán claims EU sanctions on Russia have cost Hungary €19 billion since 2022 and argues Hungary should not bear disproportionate economic burdens while supporting Ukraine.
EU leaders must unanimously agree to renew the sanctions by January 31, with Hungary's potential veto threatening to disrupt the sanctions regime and EU unity.
Orbán's stance comes as EU foreign ministers prepare for critical talks on Monday, with diplomats speculating he may ultimately approve the sanctions after extracting concessions.