U.S. Influence: Rubio Pushes Hungary to Stop Blocking Russia Sanctions

The role of the United States in supporting European sanctions against Russia remains crucial, but there is growing uncertainty over how long this support will last under the Trump administration. The European Union has faced ongoing challenges in maintaining a united front on sanctions, particularly due to Hungary’s repeated attempts to obstruct their renewal. However, diplomatic pressure from Washington has played a key role in preventing Hungary from blocking measures aimed at cutting off Russia’s financial resources.

A recent example of this was United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s direct intervention, urging Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó not to disrupt the European Union’s sanctions framework. According to Politico, two senior officials familiar with the situation confirmed that this call influenced Hungary’s decision, ensuring the continued freezing of Russian assets and upholding trade restrictions against Moscow.

For years, United States sanctions have worked in parallel with those of the European Union, limiting Russia’s access to global financial markets and reducing its ability to fund its war against Ukraine. American pressure has helped expose weaknesses in Moscow’s economy and forced the Kremlin to develop complex workarounds to keep its finances afloat. Without Washington’s involvement, the effectiveness of these sanctions could be significantly weakened.

Maria Shagina, a sanctions expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, has emphasised the critical role of the United States in enforcing these measures. She warned that without leadership from Washington, Europe would find itself in a difficult position. There is increasing concern that if the Trump administration reverses its stance, American sanctions could be lifted, leaving European sanctions unsupported. This would weaken the West’s ability to pressure Moscow and allow Russia to regain economic strength.

The potential for a shift in United States strategy raises concerns across Europe. Trump has built a reputation for making sudden changes in foreign policy, often prioritising personal negotiations over established alliances. A shift in his approach could significantly alter transatlantic relations and the broader geopolitical balance in the region.

In January, Hungary threatened to veto the routine extension of European Union sanctions against Russia, citing Trump’s return to the White House as a factor. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when Trump himself warned Moscow of additional restrictions, contradicting earlier expectations that he would ease pressure on the Kremlin.

This uncertainty leaves European policymakers in a precarious position. If Trump decides to weaken sanctions or lift restrictions on Russian financial transactions, the European Union could lose a crucial mechanism to enforce economic pressure. Since European Union sanctions require unanimous approval among member states, any shift in the stance of Hungary—or any other country sympathetic to Russia—could unravel the current framework.

The European Council recently extended individual sanctions against Russia, removing three deceased individuals from the list and declining to renew restrictions on four others. However, officials have signalled that additional pressure on Moscow is likely in the near future.