Polish FM suggests Trump "helped" Hungary back EU sanctions extension on Russia

U.S. President Donald Trump likely influenced Hungary's stance on extending European Union sanctions against Russia, according to Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski. His remarks were reported by Polish radio station RMF24.

On January 27, Sikorski attended an EU foreign ministers' meeting where member states approved prolonging economic restrictions imposed on Russia over its aggression against Ukraine. Hungary initially blocked the decision but later withdrew its objections, which Sikorski linked to Trump's intervention.

The Polish minister said that Budapest's reversal followed Trump's public statement explicitly labeling Russian dictator Vladimir Putin an aggressor and threatening sanctions unless Moscow engages in peace negotiations.

Sikorski described this as Trump's first unambiguous stance on the issue, which he believes pressured Hungary to shift its position. "I think President Trump helped here," the Polish official stated.

• On January 22, 2025, Trump warned Russia: If no agreement to end the war against Ukraine is reached soon, the United States will impose high taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on all Russian exports.
• On January 27, EU foreign ministers agreed to renew sanctions against Russia.