Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that the European Union (EU) sanctions against Russia can only be extended if Ukraine meets three conditions, including restoring the transit of Russian gas to Central Europe, stopping attacks on the TurkStream gas pipeline and ensuring continued oil transit through its territory.
In an interview with Kossuth Radio, Mr. Orban emphasized that he had warned EU leaders: "If Ukraine wants to receive support, including the maintenance of sanctions against Russia, it must act reasonably."
The three conditions he set for Ukraine are: Restoring the transit of Russian gas to Central Europe; Stop using military measures to attack the TurkStream gas pipeline; Do not impose an embargo on Russian oil supplies through Ukraine to Europe.
Mr. Orban warned that if Ukraine does not meet these conditions, the sanctions against Russia, which need to be extended on January 31, will not continue. For the sanctions to continue, the EU needs the consent of all 27 members, while Hungary has warned of a boycott.
The Hungarian Prime Minister criticized Kiev for increasing energy prices in the European market, seriously affecting countries in the region. "If Ukraine does not interfere in our work, energy prices will not be as high as they are now and gasoline prices will not be as expensive," Mr. Orban affirmed.
He also stressed that the EU's sanctions policy did not achieve the initial target but also caused serious damage to member states. According to Hungary's estimate, the country has suffered about 19 billion euros in losses due to the embargoes alone.
Mr. Orban said that by January 31, the EU will have to decide whether to extend the sanctions against Russia for another 6 months or not. Mr. Orban expressed strong opposition to the EU leaders, emphasizing that: "The sanctions policy cannot continue if it only causes damage to ourselves".
The Hungarian Prime Minister called on the EU to reconsider the embargo strategy, asserting that maintaining an ineffective policy only causes harm to member states without achieving the original goal of putting pressure on Russia.
If all 27 EU members do not reach a consensus by January 31, the sanctions against Russia will expire.
