US Senators Propose Sanctions on Hungary for Blocking Ukraine Aid and Russian Energy Ties

• •The Block Putin Act targets Hungarian officials obstructing Ukraine aid and facilitating Russian energy purchases.
• •Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has blocked a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine.
• •Sanctions could be lifted if Hungary presents a credible plan to reduce reliance on Russian energy.

US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis have introduced the Block Putin Act, aiming to impose sanctions on senior Hungarian officials for obstructing aid to Ukraine and facilitating Russian energy purchases. The bill targets Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has blocked a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine and new sanctions against Russia, amid rising tensions over the Druzhba pipeline, which has been offline since late January due to a Russian strike. The proposed sanctions include financial penalties and visa bans for officials involved in these actions. If passed, the legislation would require Hungary to present a credible plan to reduce its reliance on Russian energy and cease obstructing support for Ukraine for at least 180 days to lift the sanctions. The situation remains fluid, with Hungary maintaining its stance until the Druzhba pipeline is operational again. The bill reflects growing frustration in the US over Hungary's energy ties with Russia and its opposition to EU support for Ukraine.