Hungary has decided not to block the extension of European Union sanctions against Russia following a call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto.
This was reported by URA-Inform, citing Politico.
Rubio convinced the Hungarian diplomat to change his position and not to block another extension of restrictions against Moscow. This decision significantly changed the course of events, since Budapest had already announced its intention to veto the extension of EU sanctions against Russia in January.
This call, according to experts, became a turning point in the EU sanctions policy towards Russia. Now, after Hungary lifted its blockade, the restrictions against Moscow have been extended. This event was important for the European Union and its foreign policy, as it significantly strengthened the position of supporters of tough sanctions.
In the past, we wrote that only one country is preventing Ukraine from joining the EU – Zelensky on Hungary's position .
The case has inspired optimism among European diplomats who support the idea of increasing pressure on Russia. One such diplomat is Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, who expressed hope that tougher measures could be introduced. In his opinion, there is a real chance to increase sanctions now, given that the United States is also set to apply tougher pressure. Tsahkna stressed that if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not change his goals, the international community is ready for further increasing pressure.
Earlier we reported that the Russian Federation will not be able to capture Sumy – experts on the real potential of the Russian group in Kursk region .