Hungary may block the automatic extension of European sanctions against Russia. Such a move would confirm that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is acting in Moscow's interests, Poland believes. It was stated by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on X.

Orban has accused both Kyiv and Brussels of exacerbating Hungary's economic challenges. He claims EU sanctions on Russia have cost Hungary €19 billion ($19.9 billion) over the past three years, a figure exceeding the country’s annual tax revenues.

The European Union is facing another potential showdown with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban over his refusal to sign off on an extension of sanctions on Russia over its war against Ukraine.