US senators propose sanctions on Hungarian officials for obstructing support to Ukraine
US senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis are preparing a bill to impose sanctions on senior Hungarian officials who are believed to have obstructed aid to Ukraine.
Source: European Pravda, citing the Financial Times
Details: If passed, the Block Putin law would require US President Donald Trump to impose financial sanctions and bar visas for Hungarian officials involved in the country's purchase of Russian oil and gas as well as those who have tried to block support for Ukraine.
The bill comes amid Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán blocking a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine and delaying the adoption of a new sanctions package against Russia.
Senators Shaheen and Tillis plan to present the bill this week.
Quote from Tillis: "The United States and our allies must remain united in supporting Ukraine. [...] This bill holds senior Hungarian officials accountable while giving Hungary a clear path to get back in line with its allies by ending its reliance on Russian energy and stopping its obstruction of support for Ukraine."
Details: The draft legislation reviewed by the FT does not explicitly name Orbán as a target for sanctions.
According to a congressional aide, Trump's administration would determine which Hungarian officials are responsible for delaying aid to Ukraine and maintaining the country's energy dependence on Russia.
Background:
- On 19 March, Orbán declared that Hungary will not unblock any decision favourable to Ukraine until the Druzhba pipeline resumes transporting Russian oil.
- Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó claimed that Ukraine will be forced to restore supplies of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline in April because it is running short of money.
- On 25 March, Orbán announced the suspension of gas supplies to Ukraine until oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline is restored.
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