Mon Feb 24 07:42:34 UTC 2025: ## Hungary Vetoes Fast-Track EU Sanctions on Russia

**Budapest, Hungary – February 24, 2025** – Hungary has vowed to block any attempt to swiftly extend European Union sanctions against Russian individuals, including President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced this in a Facebook post and subsequent statements to Hungarian media, arguing that rushing the decision would hinder ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and the United States.

Szijjarto, currently on a diplomatic trip to Washington, accused pro-war European politicians of attempting to preempt peace talks. While not ruling out eventual approval of the sanctions extension, he insisted on delaying the process until after the March 15th deadline. He further threatened to veto any new EU weapons supplies to Ukraine, echoing his earlier support for US-Russia talks in Riyadh and criticism of European leaders’ concerns.

The Hungarian government, under Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has consistently opposed sending military aid to Ukraine and advocated for peace negotiations since the 2022 invasion. This stance has led to repeated delays in approving EU sanctions against Russia, often only agreeing after securing concessions from Brussels.

The EU is scheduled to discuss extending sanctions for another six months at a meeting on Friday, with a formal decision expected from foreign ministers on Monday. Other EU members have warned that prematurely dropping sanctions would weaken the West’s leverage with Moscow. Despite his strong rhetoric, Hungary recently agreed to another round of sanctions targeting Russian aluminum, scheduled for adoption on Monday. The current standoff highlights the divisions within the EU regarding its approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

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