Hungary has once again blocked EU attempts to assist Kyiv, but this time over China

The European Union intends to introduce the 13th package of sanctions against Moscow on the two-year anniversary of the start of the Ukrainian conflict, which is within the next nine days. This would complement the recently approved €50 billion financial support package for Kyiv by Brussels. However, Budapest prevented this from happening, according to The Financial Times, citing unnamed officials.

Hungary has once again obstructed progress in implementing measures aimed at assisting Kyiv. Hungary became the only country to vote “against” at yesterday’s EU ambassadors meeting, which otherwise would have endorsed a package of sanctions against nearly 200 individuals and organizations from Russia, China and other countries, who are believed to be aiding Moscow’s military efforts.

“Hungarians disagreed because of Chinese companies,” said one of the unnamed official sources. As noted by the publication, the latest EU sanctions package is controversial as it calls for restrictive measures against three Chinese companies and one Indian company. A similar move last year was blocked by several EU member states. If approved, this package will be the first instance of companies in India and mainland China being affected by EU sanctions.