"EU Member State Declines to Support New Sanctions Against Russia"

Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated during a press conference on Monday that the European Union's proposed 14th package of Russia sanctions contradicts Hungary's national interests, and therefore Budapest will not support it. Additionally, Szijjarto mentioned that Hungary will continue to block a €6.5 billion ($7 billion) military aid package for Ukraine, despite facing criticism from fellow EU foreign ministers during a ministerial meeting in Brussels.

Szijjarto emphasized Hungary's commitment to peace and ending the conflict in Ukraine, stating that they refuse to contribute to the financing of arms shipments. He acknowledged facing strong opposition during the meeting but asserted that Hungary will maintain its position in the future.

Regarding the proposed sanctions against Russia, Szijjarto confirmed that Budapest will oppose them due to concerns about cooperation in the energy sector, particularly with Russia's nuclear agency Rosatom, which is involved in Hungary's Paks II nuclear power plant project.

Some EU foreign ministers, including Gabrielius Landsbergis of Lithuania and Hadja Lahbib of Belgium, have publicly expressed frustration with Hungary's stance on the Ukrainian conflict and the EU's efforts to support Ukraine against Russia. Landsbergis urged the bloc to find ways to address Hungary's vetoes, citing that about 41% of EU resolutions on Ukraine have been blocked by Hungary. However, it remains unclear how exactly the EU can "work around" Hungary's stance, as unanimous backing is required for collective decisions such as imposing sanctions or allocating war chest money.