Orban demands gas transit as condition for Russian sanctions
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is conditioning the extension of sanctions against Russia on Ukraine, meeting several specific conditions. Among these conditions, he includes resuming Russian gas transit through Ukrainian territory and ensuring the security of oil supplies.
Prime Minister Orban has stated that he would agree to extend sanctions against Russia only if Ukraine meets certain requirements. According to "Kommersant," Orban demands the resumption of gas transit from Russia and assurances that attacks on the "Turkish Stream" pipeline will cease.
It's important to note that Kyiv did not renew the five-year agreement between Russia and Ukraine on gas transit after it expired on January 1, 2025. As a result, Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria lost access to the affordable energy resources offered by Vladimir Putin.
Orban emphasized that Ukraine should also guarantee the uninterrupted transit of oil. "If you want Europe to continue sanctions and for us to bear their costs, then at least reduce our financial losses," Orban remarked on Kossuth Radio.
The decision to extend sanctions requires the unanimous approval of all 27 EU member states. The next vote on this issue is scheduled for January 31. Previously, Orban had called for lifting the sanctions, arguing that they are harmful to the European economy.
