European Union foreign ministers agreed on Monday to extend sanctions on Russia over its war against Ukraine after Hungary lifted its opposition to the move.Budapest had been stalling the decision since December when Prime Minister Viktor Orban told EU leaders he wanted to wait for Donald Trump’s inauguration before deciding whether to agree to roll over the restrictions.

The EU will extend its existing sanctions against Russia after Hungary withdrew its threat to block the rollover, according to people briefed on the decision. Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s Russia-friendly prime minister,

The European Union has agreed to prolong for 6 months a raft of sanctions aimed at depriving Russia of funds to finance its war against Ukraine.

Before reupping the sanctions, Budapest wanted to wait for Trump's inauguration, then insisted Brussels push Ukraine to reopen a gas pipeline running to Central Europe.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she expected the bloc to renew its sanctions on Russia on Monday after Hungary signalled it would stop holding up the move in return for assurances about energy security.

The EU countries have reached a compromise on the extension of anti-Russian sanctions, Hungary is expected to withdraw objections to this decision in exchange for the provision of The EU on Energy security guarantees.

BRUSSELS – Hungary removed its veto on the EU's six-month extension of Russia sanctions on Monday, but it may not be its last standoff. The deal was struck after the EU agreed to issue a joint, non-binding statement by top diplomat Kaja Kallas and the European Commission to support Hungary's energy security at Monday's meeting of foreign ministers.

Hungary has dropped its threat to prevent EU sanctions against Russia from being rolled over for another six months.

Hungary's representatives have not yet agreed to a decision on the extension of EU sanctions against Russia. The issue will be considered at an EU Council meeting at foreign minister level on Monday,

Hungary wants the European Union to intervene in a gas dispute it has with Ukraine, a potential sign of friction in the bloc’s upcoming discussions over renewing sanctions against Russia.

BRUSSELS - The European Union renewed its wide-ranging sanctions on Russia on Monday for another six months after Hungary stopped holding up the move in return for assurances about energy security. Read more at straitstimes.