Home POLITICS Hungary’s Viktor Orban set to veto proposed sixth Russia sanctions package

Hungary’s Viktor Orban set to veto proposed sixth Russia sanctions package

by asma
Viktor Orban’s recent diplomatic manoeuvres underscore Hungary’s attempt to elevate its profile in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, leveraging his relationships with both Moscow and the incoming Trump administration. While Hungary’s direct influence may be constrained, Orban’s alignment with Russian interests and his rapport with Trump position him as a potentially disruptive actor in the international response to the war. For Ukraine, the stakes remain critical. Securing continued Western support, particularly from the United States, will be essential in resisting Russian aggression. As Trump’s presidency approaches, Kyiv must carefully navigate its diplomatic strategy to ensure sustained alliances while countering narratives that question its commitment to peace. The unfolding months will determine whether Orban’s initiatives catalyse significant geopolitical shifts or merely serve as symbolic gestures in an increasingly complex and contested global landscape.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had supper with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Monday evening at the Carmelite Monastery in Buda castle, which is now the PM’s office, in Budapest, the BBC reports.

No breakthrough was achieved on the proposed sixth sanctions package, which Orban says he will veto in its current form.

“We made progress, but further work is needed. I will convene a video conference with regional players to strengthen regional co-operation on oil infrastructure,” von der Leyen said.

That is expected on Tuesday, with a new meeting of the 27 ambassadors scheduled for Wednesday, according to Hungarian media.

EU sources suggest the commission is offering access to the sea to bring non-Russian oil to landlocked countries like Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Hungary wants hundreds of millions of euros to adapt its main refineries to take Brent crude.

The Hungarian government is also trying to link any financial compensatory package to the release of €7.2bn (£5.8bn), withheld from Hungary from the post-Covid Recovery and Resilience package over rule of law issues.

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