Hungary Backs Down on EU Sanctions Block After Talks with U.S. Secretary of State Rubio

Hungary has withdrawn its intentions to veto the extension of EU sanctions against Russia following a conversation between Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Orda reports, citing Politico.

In January, Budapest signaled its intention to block the sanctions renewal, arguing that Donald Trump's return to the White House could lead to a shift in U.S. policy toward Russia.

Since then, Trump has warned Russia of additional sanctions and trade measures unless it agrees to peace talks in Ukraine.

According to two sources cited by Politico, Rubio urged Szijjártó to avoid disrupting the EU's sanctions framework, which influenced Hungary’s decision to support the extension of the measures.