Orban changed his position on sanctions against Russia: what the European Union proposed.

Hungary and the European Union reached an agreement to extend sanctions against Russia. According to the news outlet Politico, Budapest agreed not to block the sanctions in exchange for taking into account its concerns about energy security, considering the halt of Russian gas transit through Ukraine.

The agreement was reached at the last minute and awaits official confirmation during the meeting of foreign ministers after an urgent consultation on January 27.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys expressed confidence in a positive outcome the day before. He emphasized that such an agreement would be detrimental to the EU and Hungary, and would also limit the US in seeking long-term peace in Europe.

It is worth noting that the current EU sanctions against Russia continue until January 31, and their extension requires unanimous support from all 27 member states.

Previously, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban threatened to block the extension of sanctions if Ukraine did not restore gas transit and ensure oil supplies.