Hungary wants the European Union to persuade Ukraine to resume gas transit from Russia to Europe, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday, signalling a tough debate as the EU seeks to extend its sanctions against Russia over the coming week.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Friday said he wants the European Union to intervene in a gas dispute his country has with Ukraine, a potential sign of friction in the bloc's upcoming discussions over renewing sanctions against Russia.

Moscow’s gas cutoff fuels Moldova’s shift toward the EU, as the country seeks energy security and support. Meanwhile, pro-Russian Transnistria

Ten European Union countries have called for the 27-nation bloc to ban imports of pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia, a document seen by Reuters showed, as Europe debates fresh sanctions on Moscow over the war in Ukraine.

Hungary said it will consult the United States before making a decision about renewing the European Union’s sanctions against Russia as a deadline looms at the end of the month.

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,