Orbán calls for immediate lifting of sanctions on Russian energy
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has said the EU must immediately lift the sanctions imposed on Russian energy in light of the energy crisis.
Orbán was responding to a post by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, in which he also mentioned Orbán's blocking of a loan for Ukraine.
"Europe is heading towards one of the most severe economic crises in its history. The world is facing a serious energy crisis. Europe is in grave danger. The only way out is to lift the sanctions imposed on Russian energy. Immediately. We must think not about Putin, but about our own country and our peoples. Instead of warmongering, love and save your country, Donald!" Orbán wrote on X.
To complete technical preparations for providing Ukraine with a €90 billion loan in 2026-2027, the EU must approve three additional key documents, alongside amendments to the EU's long-term budget currently blocked by Hungary.
The European Commission approved on 1 April the Ukrainian Financing Strategy for 2026 and submitted it to the Council of the European Union for approval.
On 19 March, Orbán said Budapest will not unblock any Ukraine-related decisions until Kyiv restores Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline.