Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called for the European Union to pressure Ukraine to resume the transit of Russian gas to Europe, linking the issue to Hungary’s extending sanctions against Moscow, Bloomberg reports.
Orban’s demand comes as the EU is considering renewing sanctions on Russia, which are set to expire on January 31.
Orban said on Friday that the EU was considering his demand and that the matter prompted him to “pull the emergency brake” on renewing sanctions. The EU requires unanimous support from all 27 member states to prolong the sanctions, giving Orban significant leverage.
The Hungarian leader has been critical of Ukraine’s decision not to renew the Russian gas transit contract that expired at the end of last month. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that he refused to allow supplies that would send fees to Russian coffers, Orban blamed the move for rising energy prices in Hungary.
“If Ukraine wants our help, for example by sanctioning Russia, then please re-open the gas route,” Orban said, suggesting that “one phone call from Brussels” could resolve the issue.
Orban previously irked EU counterparts by indicating he would wait until US President Donald Trump’s inauguration before deciding on sanctions extension. This stance has jeopardized what was previously considered a routine, biannual decision.
In addition to the gas transit issue, Orban has also demanded guarantees from Ukraine regarding the security of the TurkStream gas supply route, an alternative source for Hungary, and assurances that oil supply routes to Hungary be protected from any potential attacks.
Orban, a close ally of Donald Trump, has repeatedly called for an end to Russian sanctions since the conflict in Ukraine began. He has also supported Trump’s ambition to swiftly end the war, asserting that Trump’s administration would cut off aid to Ukraine after taking office.
Hungary plans to consult with the Trump administration before determining its position on Russia sanctions, according to Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. The issue is set to be debated at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday.
