Hungary withdraws veto, EU extends sanctions on Russia
Nhu Hoa, VOV correspondent in the Czech Republic -
(VOVWORLD) -The European Union renewed on Monday its wide-ranging sanctions on Russia over the conflict with Ukraine, after Hungary stopped holding up the move in return for a declaration on energy security.
 The sanctions include the freezing of 210 billion euros in assets held by Russia’s central bank. (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
EU foreign ministers agreed to extend the sanctions against Russia for another six months, according to Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who announced the decision on the social media platform X.
The sanctions include a wide-ranging ban on oil, coal, technology, finance, luxury goods, and transportation, as well as the freezing of 210 billion euros in assets held by Russia’s central bank. These measures will now remain in place until the end of July 2025.
The agreement was reached after Hungary withdrew its threat to veto the extension. EU officials explained that Hungary’s support was secured through EU commitments to safeguard its energy security.
The EU also agreed to continue discussions with Ukraine about natural gas supplies to Europe, with Hungary and Slovakia playing a key role in the negotiations.
Nhu Hoa, VOV correspondent in the Czech Republic