Hungary and Slovakia resist Russian oil embargo

Hungary and Slovakia resist Russian oil embargo

European diplomats have been locked in tough negotiations over a proposed new package of sanctions against Russia, with Hungary against a ban on Russian oil imports, Qazet.az reports.

The plan involves phasing out crude oil over six months and refined products by the end of 2022.

Hungary and Slovakia would be given an extension allowing them to keep importing until the end of 2023. But they say that is not enough, while the Czech Republic has asked to be given the same extension.

According to diplomats, on Friday the negotiators were discussing extending the transition for those three until the end of 2024.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban declared the oil ban would cross a "red line" and that Hungary would veto them.