**Hungary Tries to Keep Russian Gas Flows**
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban has suggested a unusual plan to keep gas shipments from Russia flowing through Ukraine. On December 21, he said that Hungary is negotiating with Moscow and Kyiv to find a way to continue the gas transit.
Ukraine had previously announced that it would not extend an agreement for Russian gas transit, which expires on December 31. This has caused concern among countries like Hungary and Slovakia, which rely heavily on Russian gas.
Orban’s solution involves changing the ownership of the gas before it enters Ukraine. He suggested that the gas could be labeled as Hungarian instead of Russian, allowing it to continue flowing through Ukraine.
The proposal is still unclear if it will work, but it highlights the complex relationships between countries in Eastern Europe and Russia. Hungary has been one of the most pro-Russian nations in the EU and NATO, often opposing aid to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
Hungary relies heavily on Russian gas, receiving around 4.5 billion cubic meters per year under a 15-year deal signed in 2021. The country‘s foreign minister, Peter Szijjarto, has also been known for his close ties with Moscow, visiting Russia multiple times during the war in Ukraine.
The US has imposed sanctions on Gazprombank, a Russian bank that handles energy-related payments, making it harder for Russia to evade US sanctions and fund its military. Hungary had requested an exception from these sanctions to continue paying for Russian gas imports, but the request is still pending.
**Background**
Hungary’s reliance on Russian gas has been a point of contention in recent months. The country has sought to maintain good relations with Moscow while also trying to navigate the complex web of international sanctions and trade agreements.
The Ukrainian government had previously announced its decision not to extend an agreement for Russian gas transit, citing concerns over Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.