Expert calls Orban's threat to veto sanctions against Russia convincing

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has threatened to veto the European Union's (EU) anti-Russian sanctions due to the halt of gas transit from Russia by Ukraine. This opinion was shared with Izvestia on January 24 by Vladimir Olenchenko, a senior researcher at the Center for European Studies of IMEMO RAS.

Earlier in the day, the Hungarian prime minister said that if the Ukrainian side wants Budapest to support restrictions against Moscow, Kiev should resume transit of Russian gas through its territory, stop provocations at the Turkish Stream pipeline and stop threatening oil transit. Otherwise, he said, Hungary will veto the EU decision on restrictions for Russia.

"At the moment, Orban's statements sound quite convincing. By nature, he is a strong-willed politician and capable of decisive action. That is, from this point of view he could do it (veto. - Ed.). But at the same time we should look, of course, at the general text or context, or rather, Hungary's relations with the European Union," Olenchenko commented.

Thus, he noted, Hungary receives large subsidies from the EU, and Brussels can pressure Budapest in this matter - to issue them depending on the attitude of the Hungarian government to certain decisions of the leaders of the association. However, the interlocutor of the publication believes that the fact that Prime Minister Orban is on good terms with US President Donald Trump also plays an important role.

"I think that everyone understands this. <...> And now in any case, I think Orban's demands will be taken into account. And in Kiev they will be taken into account, and in the European Commission", - summarized the expert.

In a close fight: Hungary and Slovakia seek ways to counter EU sanctions

Will Bratislava and Budapest be able to relax anti-Russian restrictive measures?

Earlier, on January 21, Orban called on the EU to reconsider the policy of sanctions against Russia. According to him, the restrictions have not achieved their goals and have only led to the destruction of the competitiveness of the European economy. Among other things, on January 20, he called on the EU to "sober up" - according to the politician, Brussels does not want peace, affordable energy and protect families.

Also on January 20, the head of the Hungarian government ruled out the possibility of a Western victory over Russia. In addition, he declared the end of the Western world order, against the background of which the world powers "with great enthusiasm" are preparing for a new era.

The special operation to protect Donbass, the start of which Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the backdrop of the aggravated situation in the region.