Tusk predicts consequences if Orban blocks anti-Russian sanctions

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will face consequences in case of blocking the anti-Russian sanctions. This was stated by the head of the government of Poland Donald Tusk on January 25.

"If Prime Minister Viktor Orban does block European sanctions at a key moment (of the conflict. - Ed.), it will be absolutely clear that in this big game for the security and future of Europe, he plays on [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's team, not ours," he wrote on his page on the social network X (former Twitter).

Tusk added that there would be consequences from this fact.

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 22, Orban called on the EU to review the policy of sanctions against Russia. He also drew attention to the fact that the sanctions could neither put an end to the armed conflict, nor paralyze the economy, nor find Europe a replacement for Russian energy from other available sources.

On January 15, it became known that the EU may impose restrictions on exports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and aluminum, as well as sanctions against dozens of Russian ships as part of new measures against Russia. In addition, one of the possible measures against Russia may be the disconnection of a number of new banks from the payment system SWIFT.

On December 18, 2024, the head of the European Commission (EC) Ursula von der Leyen announced the preparation of the 16th package of sanctions against Russia. She urged European countries to support Ukraine, which has moved strongly toward membership in the union.

On December 16, the EU foreign ministers finally approved the 15th package of economic and individual sanctions against Russia. The list of restrictions includes 54 individuals and 30 organizations. Restrictions also affected 52 vessels, which were banned from access to ports and a wide range of services in the field of water transport. In addition, the new package of sanctions also included the airline Utair.

Western countries increased sanctions pressure on Russia after the start of the special operation to protect civilians in Donbass, which was announced on February 24, 2022.