Conditional support for Ukraine from Hungarian Prime Minister Orban

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban made statements regarding Russian gas to the state radio station Radio Kossuth. Orban said that they would not support the decision to extend sanctions against Russia if the shipment of Russian gas to Europe does not resume.

Stating that "it is unacceptable for us to bear the economic consequences of sanctions to help Ukraine," Orban noted that Kyiv has stopped the shipment of Russian gas to Europe, causing an increase in gas prices in the EU.

"HUNGARY HAS SUFFERED LOSSES"

Noting that Hungary has suffered a loss of 19 billion euros over the last 3 years due to the sanctions imposed on Russia, Orban called on the Kyiv administration to restart Russian gas shipments and provide guarantees that it will not block gas supplies. Prime Minister Orban said, "If the Ukrainians want help, they should reopen the gas route."

REACTION TO ORBAN

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, in a statement on his social media account, said, "If Viktor Orban blocks European sanctions at a key moment in the war, it will be absolutely clear that in this great game for the future and security of Europe, he is playing on Putin's team, not ours."

VOTE ON JANUARY 31

EU countries will discuss the extension of sanctions against Russia on Friday, January 31. The sanctions decision must be taken unanimously by the 27 member states.

GAS SHIPMENTS HAD STOPPED

Ukraine did not extend the agreement for the shipment of Russian gas to Europe, which expired on January 1, 2025, citing national security, and had stopped gas shipments to Europe.