Hungary's Role in Easing EU Sanctions on Russian Oligarchs

Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Hungary has leveraged its position within the European Union (EU) to influence sanctions against Russian oligarchs. The EU's sanctions regime, which includes approximately 2,700 individuals and entities, requires unanimous consent from all 27 member states for extensions. This consensus requirement has allowed Hungary, often in collaboration with Slovakia, to negotiate the delisting of specific individuals, notably Alisher Usmanov's sister, Gulbahor Ismailova.

Kremlin hotline: Hungary colluded with Russia to delist sanctioned oligarchs, companies and banks‘I Am Always at Your Disposal’ – Hungary's Szijjártó Heard Promising Russia’s Lavrov to Delist Sanctioned OligarchsThe Insider

In August 2024, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó received a call from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who requested assistance in removing Ismailova from the EU sanctions list. Szijjártó assured Lavrov that Hungary, alongside Slovakia, would submit a proposal to the EU for her delisting. This conversation exemplified the close ties between Hungary and Russia, as Szijjártó expressed his commitment to supporting Russian interests within the EU framework.

Kyiv Independent‘I Am Always at Your Disposal’ – Hungary's Szijjártó Heard Promising Russia’s Lavrov to Delist Sanctioned OligarchsThe Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)

In March 2025, following sustained negotiations, Ismailova was successfully removed from the sanctions list, along with other figures such as Viatcheslav Moshe Kantor and Mikhail Degtyaryov. This outcome was achieved after Hungary and Slovakia threatened to block the entire sanctions extension unless specific individuals were delisted.

Hungary, direct line with the Kremlin: How Peter Szijjarto helped Moscow remove oligarchs from the EU sanctions list

Hungary's approach to EU sanctions has been characterized by a systematic effort to protect Kremlin-affiliated individuals. Szijjártó has been recorded discussing strategies to block sanctions packages, claiming to have removed 72 out of 128 entities from the sanctions list. He has sought to frame these actions as necessary for Hungary's national interests, despite criticism that they undermine broader EU security objectives.

Hungary, direct line with the Kremlin: How Peter Szijjarto helped Moscow remove oligarchs from the EU sanctions list

The Hungarian government has often justified its actions by arguing that sanctions harm Hungary more than Russia, a sentiment echoed by Szijjártó in various public statements. This narrative has been used domestically to bolster support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's administration, which has faced increasing opposition.

‘I Am Always at Your Disposal’ – Hungary's Szijjártó Heard Promising Russia’s Lavrov to Delist Sanctioned Oligarchs

Critics, including opposition leaders and EU officials, have condemned Hungary's actions as detrimental to collective European security. They argue that Hungary's interference in sanctions policy not only aids Russia's war efforts but also jeopardizes the integrity of EU decision-making. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis have publicly expressed concerns about Hungary's role, suggesting that Szijjártó's communications with Lavrov resemble those of a "mole" within EU discussions.

The InsiderHungary, direct line with the Kremlin: How Peter Szijjarto helped Moscow remove oligarchs from the EU sanctions list

In response to allegations of collusion with Russia, Szijjártó has dismissed reports as "fake news" and accused local journalists of collaborating with foreign intelligence services. He maintains that Hungary's actions are in line with its national interests and essential for energy security.

Kyiv Independent

While Hungary's efforts to delist individuals like Ismailova have been documented, the full extent of its influence on EU sanctions remains unclear. Reports indicate that Hungary has blocked multiple sanctions packages, including one aimed at Russian oil trading networks, but the precise number of entities saved through these interventions is disputed.

Hungary, direct line with the Kremlin: How Peter Szijjarto helped Moscow remove oligarchs from the EU sanctions list

Hungary's strategic maneuvering within the EU has raised significant concerns about the bloc's ability to maintain a unified stance against Russia. As Hungary continues to advocate for the removal of specific sanctions, the implications for EU security and cohesion remain a critical point of contention among member states.

The Insider