**Hungary Backs Down on EU Sanctions Veto**
Hungary has dropped its threat to block the extension of EU sanctions against Russia. This comes after a conversation between Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
**Why Hungary Changed Its Mind**
In January, Budapest said it would veto the sanctions renewal. But since then, U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Russia of additional sanctions and trade measures unless it agrees to peace talks in Ukraine. Two sources close to the conversation between Szijjarto and Rubio say that Rubio urged Szijjarto to support the EU sanctions system.
**What This Means for the EU**
The EU’s sanctions framework includes economic measures and restrictions on over 2,400 individuals and entities linked to Russia. If Hungary had blocked the sanctions extension, it could have forced the EU to negotiate new compromises or risk a lapse in enforcement. But now that Budapest has backed down, the EU can continue to enforce its sanctions against Russia.
**Hungary’s Relationship with Russia**
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is widely considered the EU’s most Russian-friendly leader. He has consistently opposed military aid for Ukraine and warned that Ukraine’s EU accession would “destroy” Hungary. Despite this, Budapest still maintains close ties with Russia despite its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
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