Hungary threatens to block the extension of sanctions against Russia. As several EU diplomats reported on Tuesday to the German news agency, the country wants to use this action to have the sanctions against three Russian oligarchs lifted.
These are in particular Alisher Usmanov, Pyotr Aven and Viktor Rashnikov. EU diplomats pointed out that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban still maintains a very good relationship with Putin and has torpedoed punitive measures several times in recent months.
Hungary’s opposition has forced the EU to waive planned sanctions against Russian Orthodox Church leader Patriarch Kirill and a full oil embargo.
Sanctions against more than 1200 Russians
The oligarchs Usmanov, Aven and Rashnikov are among more than 1,200 people who have been sanctioned by the European Union for supporting Russian President Putin’s Ukraine policies. The sanctions are aimed at freezing the assets of those affected and denying them access to the EU.
Decision must be unanimous
The sanctions should be extended until next Thursday if they do not expire. According to diplomats, a decision at EU level should actually be adopted this Wednesday. Further negotiations are now necessary. Hungarian government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs pointed out that a unanimous decision is needed.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
