Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban has thrown a wrench into the European Union’s sanctions machinery by conditioning Budapest’s support for extending sanctions on Russia on one key demand: Ukraine must restore the transit of Russian natural gas to Hungary and other EU countries. This ultimatum comes amid rising tensions over energy security and economic burdens imposed by the EU’s restrictive measures against Moscow.

As the EU prepares to vote on extending sanctions set to expire at the end of January, Orban’s remarks underscore the growing divisions within the bloc regarding its approach to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and relations with Russia.

Hungary’s firm stance stems from a recent decision by Ukraine to halt the transit of Russian gas through its pipeline network. Deliveries via Ukraine were stopped on January 1 after Kiev opted not to renew its agreement with Russian energy giant Gazprom. This move effectively severed a critical supply route for Hungary and other European nations, exacerbating the region’s energy crisis.

In an interview with Kossuth Radio, Orban criticized Ukraine’s actions, saying, “Hungary lost €19 billion [$20 billion] due to the sanctions. I pulled the handbrake. I asked the European leaders to understand that this cannot continue.”

Orban’s demand is clear: the EU must pressure Kiev to reopen the gas taps. “The Ukrainians want to mess with us,” he said, referring to Ukraine’s imposition of high transit fees and barriers that have contributed to skyrocketing energy prices across Europe. Orban described this as a deliberate provocation, adding, “This is a phone call, dear Ukrainian comrades, open the taps.”

Hungary’s energy security has been further complicated by recent........

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