US Secretary Rubio Convinces Hungary to Support EU Sanctions Against Russia, Politico Says

Hungary, which in January threatened to veto the extension of European Union sanctions against Russia, has reversed its position after a conversation between Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Politico reported on March 17, citing sources.

Hungary initially planned to block the sanctions, citing Donald Trump’s return to the White House as a key reason.

However, Trump later threatened Russia with new restrictions if it refused to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Additionally, Rubio personally called Szijjártó and, according to two Politico sources, urged Hungary not to undermine the EU’s sanctions regime. This helped convince Budapest to step back from its veto threat, ensuring that the sanctions remain in place.

Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pledged to impose sanctions on Russia’s energy sector if it helps bring about a ceasefire in Ukraine. However, no new restrictions on Russia have been implemented yet, aside from Trump extending existing sanctions for another year due to the war in Ukraine.