Hungary wants the EU to intervene in a gas dispute with Ukraine

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. Speaking on state radio on Friday, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that Ukraine’s decision to cease transiting Russian gas into Central Europe through the Brotherhood pipeline had forced Hungary to turn to alternative routes, raising energy prices. EU sanctions on Russia for its war had also cost the country, he said, adding he wanted the bloc to convince Kyiv to resume gas transits if it expects Hungary to support the renewal of sanctions against Moscow which must be approved by Jan. 31. Orbán has frequently threatened to veto EU sanctions against Russia.