Hungary prolonged its blockage of the renewal of sanctions against Russia as Prime Minister Viktor Orban called on the European Union to pressure Ukraine to re-establish the transit of Russian gas to Europe.

“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.”

Sanctions EU sanctions against Russia can be extended only under three conditions. This was stated in the program of the Kossuth radio station by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Friday threatened to block attempts to renew EU sanctions on Russia, linking his support to efforts to reopen a gas pipeline across Ukraine to Central Europe.

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.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a key ally of Russia and a good friend of Donald Trump’s, took to X to congratulate the newly

Orban, widely seen as having the warmest relations with the Kremlin in the EU, has broken with the majority of European leaders and vocally opposed such sanctions, arguing they did more to damage Euro

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.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has urged the European Union to intervene in Hungary's gas dispute with Ukraine. He blames EU sanctions on Russia for raising energy prices and costing Hungary billions.

Tens of thousands of people protested against the government across Slovakia Friday evening, as anger grows over nationalist Prime Minister Robert Fico's push for closer ties with Russia.

Hungary's representatives have not yet agreed to a decision on the extension of EU sanctions against Russia. The issue will be considered at an EU Council meeting at foreign minister level on Monday,