Bipartisan legislation targets Hungarian officials
A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced the Block Putin Act, a bill that would impose visa bans on Hungarian officials accused of facilitating Russian energy purchases and obstructing EU aid to Ukraine. The legislation is sponsored by Democrat Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Thom Tillis.
Hungary at centre of EU tensions
The draft bill does not name specific politicians but focuses on Hungary’s role in blocking a €90 billion EU aid package to Ukraine. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has cited Kyiv’s refusal to reopen the Druzhba pipeline, damaged by a Russian strike in January, as a reason for delaying the aid.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has faced criticism after reports claimed he shared sensitive EU meeting information with Russian officials. Szijjártó defended the contacts as routine diplomatic communication before and after Council sessions.
US lawmakers criticise Hungary’s energy policies
Senator Tillis highlighted that while many EU allies reduce dependence on Russian energy, Hungary has increased purchases of Russian oil and gas while obstructing support for Ukraine. Senator Shaheen also condemned former US administration support for Orbán ahead of Hungary’s 12 April parliamentary elections, which the opposition Tisza Party currently leads in polls.
Reports indicate US Vice-President JD Vance may visit Hungary in early April, a move perceived as an electoral endorsement of Orbán. Shaheen called the potential visit “beyond belief” for supporting a government “helping fund Russia’s war machine.”
Sanctions and conditions for relief
Under the Block Putin Act, sanctions would be lifted if Hungary presents a credible plan to reduce reliance on Russian energy and stops obstructing Ukraine aid for at least 180 days. The legislation follows the outgoing Biden administration’s January 2025 sanction of Hungarian minister Antal Rogán for corruption, which was reversed by the Trump administration.
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