Hungary to consult with US on extension of EU sanctions against Russia

Hungary has yet to make a decision regarding the extension of EU sanctions against Russia and plans to consult with the new US administration before taking any action, the country's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said.

Speaking at a press conference in Budapest, Szijjártó noted that the EU is set to review the sanctions on January 31, with a decision expected to be made during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on January 27, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

However, Hungary is taking a cautious approach and intends to discuss the matter with its American counterparts before finalizing its stance.

"There is still plenty of time before January 21," Szijjártó remarked. "There will be a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers who will need to make a decision, and in the meantime, we will consult with our American partners."

The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has long argued that the EU should abandon the sanctions, claiming they have failed to achieve their intended objectives and are ultimately harmful to Europe. According to sources within the EU, there is no contingency plan in place should Hungary refuse to support the extension. If no resolution is reached this week, the matter will be brought up during the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has reiterated his calls for Russia to end its military operation in Ukraine, warning that further sanctions and tariffs could be imposed on Russian exports to the United States. Trump's remarks, which were posted on his personal blog, reflect ongoing tensions between the US and Russia over the conflict in Ukraine.

By Vafa Guliyeva