Hungary and Slovakia opposed EU plans to impose sanctions against Russia, including a ban on Russian energy imports

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has announced that Hungary and Slovakia will not support the European Union's proposed 18th sanctions package against Russia, aimed at phasing out Russian energy imports. Both countries remain dependent on Russian energy resources and have maintained close relations with Moscow. Slovak PM Robert Fico said he would not support sanctions without a solution to the impact on the national economy. Sanctions require unanimity from EU member states to be adopted.