No veto this time: Hungary allows EU sanctions on Russian oligarchs to continue
The European Union has extended its sanctions targeting over 2,500 Russian individuals and entities involved in undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty, including prominent politicians and businessmen, for another six months, the EU Council announced on Friday. The measures, now valid until 15 March 2026, include travel bans within the EU, asset freezes, and prohibitions on providing funds or economic resources to those listed.
Earlier this week, Hungary and Slovakia had signalled they might veto the extension. A veto would have caused the sanctions to lapse on 15 September. In the end, however, neither country blocked the decision, allowing the restrictions to remain in force.
The sanctions list has been slightly revised: one deceased individual has been removed, and another person was delisted by EU member states. These measures are part of an EU effort launched after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 to limit Russia’s economic capacity, cut off access to key technologies and markets, and curtail its ability to sustain military operations.
“The European Union remains ready to step up pressure on Russia, including by adopting further sanctions,” the Council said in its statement.
The important question is why Hungary would go out of its’ way to veto sanctions on Russians and get exemptions for some individuals including former KGB operative Patriarch Kirill who has promoted the Russian war against Ukraine and uses the Russian Orthodox church as a cover for the FSB. The obvious answer is that Fidesz works for Russia. Átlátszó’s sources close to the new German government indicate that Berlin is setting aside its economic interests and pushing for tough measures against the Hungarian government, as it views Viktor Orbán’s anti-Ukrainian policy as a THREAT TO SECURITY. Orban is aware that the knives are being sharpened in the EU and he may to have to pull back on his Russia friendly actions. We will see how this develops.
Exaclty Larry, the last point was the critical one. Germany.
Without it, Hungarian economy would collapse!