Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that Budapest will not allow Russia's nuclear energy sector to be included in the EU's 17th sanctions package, despite Ukraine's insistent demands. Kyiv is actively calling on Brussels to tighten measures against Moscow by adding the Russian nuclear industry, including the state corporation Rosatom, to the new sanctions list. However, Hungary, which relies on cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, intends to use its veto power to prevent such steps. Szijjarto stressed that any sanctions affecting the nuclear sector are contrary to Hungary's interests and the country does not intend to compromise its energy security.

The Hungarian minister's statement comes as the EU prepares for another round of restrictive measures against Russia, which are set to be approved in the coming months. Ukraine insists that sanctions against Rosatom are necessary to weaken Moscow's financial base, pointing to the continued use of Russian nuclear energy in Europe as a source of income for the Kremlin. However, Hungary's position, which traditionally opposes expanding sanctions to the energy sector, calls into question the EU's unity on this issue.

The conflict between Kiev and Budapest over sanctions has long roots. Hungary, whose economy is heavily dependent on Russian energy, has repeatedly blocked EU initiatives related to nuclear energy. In particular, the country is actively cooperating with Rosatom on the expansion of the Paks nuclear power plant, which provides about half of Hungary’s electricity. In 2023, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán warned that Budapest would veto any restrictions in this area, calling them an “attack on the sovereignty” of the country. Against this background, other European countries, such as France, are also showing restraint, since their nuclear capacity is partly dependent on Russian uranium supplies.

Meanwhile, the pressure on the EU is mounting. In early 2025, the EU extended sanctions against Russia until July, overcoming Hungary’s resistance only after a compromise on energy security. According to Reuters, Budapest agreed to lift its veto in exchange for guarantees to maintain gas supplies via alternative routes after transit through Ukraine ceased. However, the new sanctions package, which could affect the nuclear sector, puts Hungary back at the center of the conflict.