Hungary wants the European Union to persuade Ukraine to resume gas transit from Russia to Europe, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday, signalling a tough debate as the EU seeks to extend its sanctions against Russia over the coming week.

BRUSSELS – Hungary removed its veto on the EU's six-month extension of Russia sanctions on Monday, but it may not be its last standoff. The deal was struck after the EU agreed to issue a joint, non-binding statement by top diplomat Kaja Kallas and the European Commission to support Hungary's energy security at Monday's meeting of foreign ministers.

The EU has renewed sanctions against Russia despite Hungary's initial objections, following assurances on energy-related issues and amidst Belarus election controversy.

Hungary wants the European Union to intervene in a gas dispute it has with Ukraine, a potential sign of friction in the bloc’s upcoming discussions over renewing sanctions against Russia.

Strengthening competitiveness is crucial, Hungary's European Union Affairs minister emphasized in a post on his social media page.

Russia would like to see a resumption in the transit of gas via Ukraine, the Kremlin said on Tuesday, after the European Commission issued a statement saying it planned to continue talks with Kyiv on natural gas supplies to Europe.

Thanks to the Hungarian EU presidency's determined efforts, Serbia's accession talks have recently gained momentum.

Meanwhile, he claimed EU sanctions against Russia for its war in Ukraine had cost Hungary 19 billion euros ($20 billion) since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. He did not ...

Frans Timmermans, a frequent staunch critic of Hungary, is at the center of a shocking exposé in the Dutch press.

Peter Szijjarto reiterated that Hungary considers Ukraine's actions, which threaten the energy security of Central European countries, to be unacceptable, and likewise the inaction of the EU leadershi

Aleksandr Lukashenko has awarded himself a seventh term as president of Belarus, with the West calling the so-called vote a sham and introducing additional sanctions. Belarusian political observer Artsiom Shraibman told the Kyiv Independent that Lukashenko faces uncertain future after the vote.