According to the Telegraph, the European Union's executive body is worried about the possible position of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on the extension of sanctions against Russia. In particular, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna expressed concern that if Hungary blocks the extension of sanctions, the EU will be forced to unfreeze and return about 240 billion euros of assets to Russia, IZ writes.
Tsakhkna stressed that in such a scenario, sanctions against Russia would not only be lifted, but the Kremlin would also gain access to vast financial reserves that are currently frozen under the restrictions. This decision could have serious economic consequences for the European Union, which would lose control of the situation.
The Estonian minister also recalled that under the Treaty on European Union, a member state can be deprived of its right to vote if its position threatens the security of the Union. “ We have such an opportunity, and I believe it is getting closer ,” Tsahkna said, hinting at the possibility of using extreme measures against Hungary.
The EU will hold a new meeting on the issue of extending sanctions in June 2025. If the agreement is not approved, the European Union may face unpleasant financial consequences for Ukraine and other member states.
We remind you that it was previously reported that Russia is ready to consider the possibility of security guarantees for Ukraine, but with conditions.