Official statements from EU leaders or credible news reports

Orban Calls for EU to End Russia Sanctions, Citing Trump's New Era and €190 Billion Asset Concern

Jan 17, 2025, 08:43 AM

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called for the European Union to lift its sanctions against Russia, citing the upcoming administration of Donald Trump as a catalyst for a 'new era'. Orban made these remarks on Kossuth Radio, suggesting that the sanctions should be 'thrown out the window' to establish normal relations with Russia. He also expressed confidence that after the conflict in Ukraine ends, the West would normalize relations with Russia. Additionally, Orban's comments come amidst reports that the EU is preparing measures to potentially bypass a Hungarian veto on extending the sanctions regime against Russia, with the Financial Times indicating that the EU might involve King Philippe of Belgium to prevent the return of €190 billion in Russian assets if Hungary vetoes the extension.