WSJ learned of Hungary's demand to exclude several Russians from EU sanctions

The Hungarian authorities insist on the exclusion of several heads of Russian companies from the EU sanctions lists, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing European diplomats.

“Having removed objections to the issue of extending EU economic sanctions against RUSSIA, Hungary insists on the withdrawal of several Russian leaders from the sanctions list,” sources said, adding that a decision on this issue could be made in March.

On Friday, January 27, the European Union extended economic sanctions against Russia for six months. They apply to trade, finance, technology and dual-use goods, industry, transport and luxury goods. In addition, the sanctions prohibit the import or shipping of crude oil and certain petroleum products from Russia to the EU by sea. The restrictions also include the disconnection of a number of Russian banks from the SWIFT financial messaging system and the suspension of broadcasting of several Russian media.

According to the WSJ, during discussions on extending the sanctions, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban proposed easing sanctions restrictions, especially the embargo on oil imports. He has previously said that sanctions in the energy sector are accelerating inflation in the EU. According to him, Hungary will lose 3.760 trillion forints (€9.673 billion) this year due to the policy of sanctions.

Orban has consistently opposed the expansion of anti-Russian sanctions. He stated that Hungary would veto the EU-discussed sanctions against Russian nuclear energy. And in December, according to EUobserver, Hungary insisted on not including Russian energy ministers Nikolai Shulginov, healthcare ministers Mikhail Murashko and sports Oleg Matytsin in the next sanctions package.