US President Donald Trump likely influenced Hungary on the issue of extending the European Union's sanctions against Russia. As a result, Budapest voted in favor of extending the restrictions, stated Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski,

Before reupping the sanctions, Budapest wanted to wait for Trump's inauguration, then insisted Brussels push Ukraine to reopen a gas pipeline running to Central Europe.

The EU countries have reached a compromise on the extension of anti-Russian sanctions, Hungary is expected to withdraw objections to this decision in exchange for the provision of The EU on Energy security guarantees.

Hungary has agreed to extend sanctions against Russia for another six months in exchange for an EU statement addressing Budapest's concerns about "energy security". Source: Politico, citing unnamed European diplomats,

BRUSSELS – Hungary removed its veto on the EU's six-month extension of Russia sanctions on Monday, but it may not be its last standoff. The deal was struck after the EU agreed to issue a joint, non-binding statement by top diplomat Kaja Kallas and the European Commission to support Hungary's energy security at Monday's meeting of foreign ministers.

U.S. President Donald Trump may have helped persuade Hungary to lift its veto on the European Union's extension of sanctions against Russia, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on Jan. 27,

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has stated that Hungary agreed to extend sanctions against Russia after the EU provided it with "commitments" related to energy security. Source: European Pravda,