US Considers Lifting Sanctions on Hungary Following Diplomatic Engagement
The United States is contemplating a review of the sanctions imposed on Hungary during the previous administration of President Joe Biden, according to Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. This announcement follows a recent discussion between Szijjarto and Marco Rubio, the newly appointed US Secretary of State, who conveyed Washington's intention to strengthen diplomatic relations with Budapest.
Szijjarto highlighted on social media that the new US administration is keen on reinstating a robust Hungarian-American political framework. He expressed optimism about the shared perspectives between the new US leadership and the Hungarian government on key international matters.
Sanctions previously imposed by the Biden administration included the termination of a bilateral tax agreement and stricter entry regulations for Hungarian nationals. These actions were perceived by Budapest as efforts to undermine its relationships with both Russia and China. The US also sanctioned Antal Rogan, the chief of staff for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, in December, citing allegations of corruption, which Orban characterized as acts of "petty revenge."
In his comments, Szijjarto described his conversation with Rubio as highly productive, expressing hope that the forthcoming years would usher in a "golden age" for Hungarian-American relations.
This development occurs alongside a broader shift in Hungary's foreign policy under Orban, who has recently advocated for a reevaluation of EU sanctions against Russia. In a statement made on Kossuth Radio, Orban indicated that he would refrain from committing to extending sanctions against Russia until consultations with US President Donald Trump take place. He has been vocal in his call for both European Union and US policies to be reconsidered, suggesting leaders should eliminate sanctions and pursue a more collaborative relationship with Russia.
Furthermore, Orban has linked Hungary's position on EU sanctions to the continuation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine, which was suspended on January 1 due to Ukraine's decision not to renew its agreement with Gazprom, a Russian gas giant. Hungarian diplomats have been actively addressing this issue in EU discussions, stressing the importance of balancing energy security with sanctions policy.
Since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, the EU has enacted 15 rounds of sanctions against Russia aimed at curtailing its military financing capabilities. However, these measures necessitate unanimous consensus for renewal every six months, with the next deadline approaching on January 31. Hungary has called for a discussion on sanctions during the upcoming meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers.
Poland, an EU member state, has cautioned Hungary about potential repercussions for opposing the sanctions regime. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk accused Orban of aligning too closely with Moscow. In response to Hungary's stance, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas defended the sanctions as essential leverage against Russia.
Moscow has consistently condemned Western sanctions as illegitimate and counterproductive, warning that such measures will ultimately harm those who impose them.