Bipartisan US push for sanctions on Hungary over Orbán’s Ukraine aid blockade

Two senior US senators — Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis — are preparing a bipartisan bill that could lead to sanctions against Hungarian officials linked to blocking support for Ukraine.

According to the Financial Times, the proposed legislation, dubbed the “Block Putin” act, would require President Donald Trump to impose visa bans and financial restrictions on individuals involved in obstructing aid to Kyiv or maintaining Hungary’s reliance on Russian oil and gas.

EUR 90 billion loan stalled amid political tensions

At the centre of the dispute is a EUR 90 billion EU loan intended to support Ukraine, which Hungary has blocked in the European Council. Orbán has linked his veto to disputes over energy supplies, claiming Kyiv has disrupted oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has argued that damage caused by Russian attacks is responsible for interruptions.

Hungary’s position is reportedly supported by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, further complicating EU efforts to secure funding for Ukraine.

Sanctions tied to Russian energy dependence

Under the proposed US legislation, sanctions could target Hungarian officials involved in purchasing Russian energy or blocking international assistance to Ukraine via the EU, NATO, or the United States.

Lawmakers argue that continued payments to Moscow effectively help finance Russia’s war effort. Since the outbreak of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, most European countries have reduced their dependence on Russian energy, but Hungary and Slovakia have moved in the opposite direction.

Tillis stressed that “the United States and its allies must remain united” in cutting off revenue streams that support Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A path to avoid penalties

The bill also outlines conditions under which Hungary could avoid sanctions. These include presenting a credible and public plan to reduce reliance on Russian energy and refraining from blocking Ukraine-related aid initiatives for at least 180 days.

Additionally, US authorities would be required to justify any exemptions granted to Hungary in official reports.

Political stakes ahead of elections

The timing of the proposal is significant, as Orbán faces a challenging re-election campaign. Polls suggest his long-standing dominance could be under threat, although pro-government surveys indicate a tighter race.

The Hungarian government has made its opposition to Ukraine support a central campaign theme, while maintaining close ties with Moscow. Foreign Minister Szijjártó Péter has held frequent meetings with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov since the war began.

At the same time, reports suggest US Vice-President JD Vance may visit Hungary ahead of the elections, signalling continued political alignment between Washington and Budapest despite growing tensions in Congress.

Growing transatlantic divide

The proposed sanctions show a widening divide between Hungary and its Western allies over the war in Ukraine. While the Trump administration has criticised Europe for continuing to buy Russian energy, US lawmakers are now turning their attention specifically to Hungary’s role.

Shaheen warned that allies must be held to consistent standards, stating that “no one, especially Viktor Orbán, should get a free pass.”