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.

Comments came after angry complaints from Slovakia and Hungary over Kyiv’s refusal to renew transit of Russian gas.

“Now the issue of extending sanctions is on the agenda, I have put on the handbrake and asked European leaders to understand that this cannot continue,” said Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, speaking to state broadcaster Kossuth Radio. “Hungary cannot be made to pay the price of sanctions in such proportions.”

EU foreign ministers will consider the extension of sanctions against Russia. Hungary may block the decision if its demand is not met, states Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on his Facebook page.

Hungary plans to hold talks with regional allies to counter the impact of higher oil prices resulting from a new round of US sanctions on Russia's oil and gas sector, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Sunday.

Hungarian foreign minister's remarks come after Russia claimed to have foiled Ukrainian strike on compressor station supplying gas through TurkStream pipeline - Anadolu Ajansı

Regarding NATO, the Hungarian PM stated unequivocally that Ukraine’s membership in NATO is currently not on the agenda and will not be for the foreseeable future. Responding to a journalist’s question, he explained that there will never be unanimous agreement on this issue. He went on to describe discussions around Ukraine’s NATO membership as a

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Friday threatened to block the renewal of EU sanctions on Russia, linking his support to efforts to reopen a gas pipeline across Ukraine to Central Europe.

Hungary is urging the European Union to press Ukraine to restore the transit of Russian gas to Europe, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on

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,

The European Union requires a unanimous vote to extend sanctions on Russia, a situation Hungary's Viktor Orban wants to use to pressure the bloc into forcing Ukraine to reopen a transit pipeline for Russian gas.