Hungary reverses course on blocking EU sanctions against Russia after talks with US – Politico

Hungary abandoned its plans to block the European Union's sanctions extension against Russia after Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó spoke by phone with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Politico reported, citing two senior officials.

In January, Budapest had threatened to veto the routine renewal of sanctions against Russia, citing Donald Trump's return to the White House. However, unexpectedly, Trump himself raised the possibility of new sanctions against Moscow.

Diplomats say pressure from Washington influenced Hungary's decision, leading it to drop its opposition. This allowed the continuation of frozen Russian assets and trade restrictions.

The move has raised optimism among European diplomats advocating for tougher sanctions on the Kremlin. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna believes there is now a chance for even stricter measures, as " it's obvious that the U.S. is going to do that as well if Putin is not going to change the goal."

At the same time, Trump's stance remains unpredictable. If he shifts course and decides to ease sanctions in negotiations with Russia, the EU could lose a key leverage point over Hungary, as sanctions decisions in the bloc require unanimous approval.

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