Hungary has blocked the 13th package of EU sanctions against Russia.
The Financial Times reported, citing unnamed officials, that at a meeting of EU ambassadors, Hungary was the only nation that did not support the 13th package of sanctions targeting nearly 200 individuals and companies from Russia, China and other countries that help Putin’s war efforts.
The new EU sanctions aim at closing loopholes that allow Russia to import Western technology via third countries for weapons production.
Hungary allegedly disagreed with the new sanctions because of the presence of Chinese companies on the list. The debate will continue next week. EU foreign ministers are due to approve the 13th package of sanctions against Russia on February 19, but its content may still change.
This is not the first time Hungary has played into Moscow’s hands. Earlier, Prime Minister Viktor Orban blocked the adoption of multi-year EU financial assistance for Ukraine. He also opposed providing Ukraine with weapons to repel the Putin regime’s military aggression.
Supporters of the sanctions package hope to reach an agreement by next Wednesday to meet the February 24 deadline.
The 13th package of EU sanctions against Russia may also include sanctions against North Korea for providing Russia with missiles that it uses against Ukraine.
