Despite the agreement on Monday, Hungary continues to put a stop to the next sanctions package against Russia. Hungary does not want the Russian Orthodox patriarch Kirill to be subject to punitive measures.
The agreement between the heads of state and government on Monday concerned a sixth sanction package to stop the Russian war machine. Perhaps most important in the package is a partial embargo on Russian oil.
But when the ambassadors of the 27 member states met on Wednesday to determine the details, Hungary said no, diplomatic sources say after the meeting. The crucial point is that the Budapest government refuses to accept that Kirill is blacklisted by the EU.
– They suddenly came up with that objection, they had no real reason, a diplomat says anonymously to the EU Observer.
Kirill, 75, whose real name is Vladimir Gundajev, is known as an ardent supporter of Russia’s regime. The church leader has expressed support for President Vladimir Putin’s war of aggression in Ukraine.
The blacklisting of him does not matter much, but is seen as an important symbolism. How important must be shown in the continued informal talks that are now continuing in Brussels. The economically and politically heavy part is oil, which in the long run can cost Russia thousands of billions of kronor.