Hungary again blocks EU anti-Russian sanctions

This was reported by several diplomats from European Union countries, familiar with the results of the negotiations, on condition of anonymity.

Following the results of the meeting of EU ambassadors, diplomats said that Hungary refuses to vote for sanctions against Russia, the extension of which requires unanimous approval by all EU states by March 15 inclusive.

Discussions on individual sanctions are ongoing, and no agreement has been reached yet, one of the diplomats said.

It is worth clarifying that EU ambassadors must decide on the extension of sanctions related to the "territorial integrity regime of Ukraine", which are actually in effect until March 15, 2025 and concern more than 2,400 individuals and legal entities of the Russian Federation involved in undermining the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine.

Another EU diplomat said that "if the sanctions are not extended by March 15, they will cease to apply."

But all informed persons expressed hope that Hungary, "as has always happened before, will agree at the last moment to extend sanctions against Russia."

The next meeting of EU ambassadors (Coreper II), which will discuss the issue of extending sanctions against Russia, will be held in Brussels on March 12.

The next meeting after that, at which individual sanctions against Russians may be extended, is scheduled for Friday morning, March 15.