The EU develops a strategy in response to Hungary's potential blocking of sanctions against Russia.

At the EU summit, leaders of the member states managed to circumvent Hungary's attempt to hinder the meeting with Ukraine, but are now preparing for a tense discussion regarding sanctions against Russia.

Hungary refused to sign a statement supported by other EU leaders, and simply walked past at the summit. Prime Minister Viktor Orban did not raise the issue of sanctions against Russia.

EU diplomats express surprise at Hungary's approach. Likely, Orban refrained from concessions, wanting to maintain strength for the next summit, where decisions regarding sanctions against Russia need to be updated.

The next summit, scheduled for March 20, will be more complicated, as consensus from all 27 EU countries is required for sanctions. This gives Hungary more leverage to achieve its goals or to threaten to break the agreement.

EU sanctions target individuals and companies that undermined the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. There are over 2400 individuals and organizations on the EU sanctions list.

Hungary has used the updating of sanctions as a bargaining chip for the last three years. It seeks to remove eight individuals from the sanctions list and obtain more concessions regarding gas transit with Ukraine.

As President Trump attempts to lift sanctions against Russia, Hungary will likely feel emboldened to fight against EU sanctions.

Hungary and Slovakia are arguing with Ukraine over the issue of transporting gas from Russia to the EU. So far, negotiations have been unsuccessful.

EU ambassadors have three chances this week to secure the continuation of sanctions - on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday.