Extending European Union sanctions on Russian gas and nuclear energy “would have tragic consequences for Hungary” and the government is working to get relief from any such decisions, Prime Minister Viktor Orban told Kossuth Radio on Friday. which is quoted by the MTI agency.

At the start of the war, the European Union hoped to end the war with sanctions, or at least contribute to that goal, but they “didn’t bring us an inch closer” to ending the conflict, Orbán said in an interview.

“We are facing a harsh winter” when the situation in Ukraine becomes more and more difficult, Orban said.

At the same time, despite the fact that Russia has suffered losses, its energy revenues are growing, and therefore “the policy of sanctions has not fulfilled its purpose”, he added.

Although Hungary has been granted an exemption from the crude oil ban that will take effect on December 5 and thus has access to the oil the country needs, it cannot separate itself from the impact of the sanctions on prices, Orbán also said.

So far, Hungary has “always achieved its national goals” in the sanctions negotiations, “and that is why we have hope as we enter the next round of debates on the 9th package” of sanctions against Russia.

At the same time, the government must fight “constant pressure” to “protect our interests,” he added. (Agerpress)