Orbán Delays EU Sanctions Renewal on Russia, Awaiting Trump's Inauguration

The Hungarian Prime Minister's stance threatens to disrupt the EU's unified sanctions framework, with potential repercussions for Ukraine and European stability.

• Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has refused to approve the routine extension of EU sanctions on Russia, which are set to expire on January 31, 2025, stating he will decide after Donald Trump's January 20 inauguration as U.S. President.
• The sanctions, first introduced in 2014 and expanded after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, target Russian energy, high-tech exports, and financial assets, including over €210 billion in frozen Russian state funds held in the EU.
• Orbán's move could jeopardize the EU's ability to maintain its sanctions framework, which has significantly reduced trade with Russia and funds critical military aid for Ukraine.
• Diplomats suggest Orbán may be leveraging his veto to gain concessions from the EU, as Hungary faces frozen billions in EU funds due to concerns over rule-of-law violations.
• European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have expressed concern but remain optimistic that sanctions can still be extended before the deadline, despite Orbán's conditional stance.

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