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.

The European Commission will continue negotiations with Ukraine on gas supplies to Europe, including Hungary and Slovakia, according to an EU diplomat's statement obtained by Reuters on Jan. 27. Ukraine ended Russian gas supplies to Europe on Jan.

The statement was read to EU ambassadors on Monday morning, ahead of a meeting of foreign ministers to discuss extending sanctions against Russia, which are renewed every six months. "Hungary is delaying the extension of the bloc’s sanctions against Russia,

North Korean troops seem to temporarily withdraw from one section of front in Kursk Oblast, military says Russia claims to capture Velyka Novosilka, Ukraine admits partial retreat but says battles ongoing Russia intensifies attacks near Pokrovsk,

The European Commission will continue talks with Ukraine on natural gas supplies to Europe and will include Hungary and Slovakia in these talks, according to a statement shared by an EU diplomat and seen by Reuters on Monday.

Some EU officials are considering resuming Russian pipeline gas imports as part of a potential peace agreement with Ukraine, sparking controversy and opposition within the bloc.

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.

Hungarian EU Affairs Minister Janos Boka made public on Facebook the declaration issued by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and the European Commission, which Hungary received in exchange for not vetoing the extension of anti-Russia sanctions. The document outlines four key points.

Open Ukraine project, published by NV as its media partner. “It was known two years ago that starting Jan. 1, 2025, there would be no transit of Russian [natural] gas through Ukrainian territory,” Portnikov noted.

Putin is attempting to use the prospect of negotiations to buy time and gain an upper hand in the war in Ukraine, even as he slyly appeals to President Trump's ego. Trump must not let himself be fooled.

Russia concentrates on Donetsk hoping for a decisive breakthrough, as Ukraine claims Moscow has lost almost 835,000 men.