EU caves to Hungary, delists three Russian oligarchs from sanctions

In a significant development regarding European Union sanctions against Russia, the EU agreed to lift sanctions on three Russian individuals, namely Viatcheslav Moshe Kantor, Mikhail Degtyaryov, and Gulbahor Ismailova. This decision came to light during a meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels, where the deal aimed to appease Hungary, which has consistently obstructed sanctions against Russia due to its more favorable stance towards Moscow. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban had threatened to veto the renewal of sanctions against Russia unless certain individuals were removed from the sanctions list, highlighting internal divisions within the EU regarding Russia's actions in Ukraine. Alongside the three Russian individuals, businessman Vladimir Rashevsky was also delisted due to a weak legal case rather than Hungarian demands. The backdrop of this unfolding scenario includes Hungary seeking to assert its position within the EU by advocating for the removal of several names from the sanctions list. Notably, various factions among EU member states have shown differing levels of commitment toward sanctions, with Hungary seeking to redefine its approach amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. The complexity of these negotiations reflects the challenge the EU faces in maintaining a unified front in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as Hungary continues to push for delistings while the United States has initiated direct contacts with Russia aimed at peace talks. The broader implications underscore the necessity for consensus among all member nations for sanctions to remain in place, creating a precarious situation for EU unity in its response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.