One phone call changed Hungary's position on sanctions.

The Hungarian government abandoned its intention to veto the extension of European Union sanctions against Russia after a phone conversation between Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

According to information from the Politico portal, the Hungarian government planned to block the extension of sanctions, citing, among other things, the return of Donald Trump to the White House. However, the situation changed after Trump warned Russia about the possibility of new restrictions if the Kremlin refused to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.

During the phone conversation, Rubio urged Szijjarto not to undermine the EU's sanctions policy, and it was this call that helped persuade the Hungarian side to abandon its previous decision.

The publication also notes that Trump may change his position and offer to soften the sanctions at any moment. In that case, the European Union would lose an important tool of influence over Hungary.

Currently, there is no unified position within the EU regarding the easing of sanctions against Russia, regardless of the decisions of the U.S. president.

We should also remember that the Kremlin is asking businesses to propose measures to ease sanctions.