U.S. Senators Push Sanctions on Orbán with 'Block Putin' Bill.

Sanctions Bill Targets Hungarian Officials

According to Novyny.live: U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis have introduced legislation that would impose financial penalties and visa restrictions on Hungarian officials over their stance on Ukraine and reliance on Russian energy. The proposal, named the 'Block Putin' Act, would require the U.S. president to enforce these measures against Hungarian authorities.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has blocked a €90 billion European Union loan package for Ukraine, drawing sharp criticism from American lawmakers. At the same time, Hungary and Slovakia have increased imports of Russian oil and gas, raising alarms among U.S. allies. Orbán maintains close ties with Moscow, including multiple meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He has also tied financial aid for Ukraine to the transit of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline.

Senators’ Stance

Tillis emphasized that

“The United States and our allies must remain united in supporting Ukraine and cutting off the revenue streams that fuel Putin’s war.”

“No one, especially Viktor Orbán, should get a free pass.”

The bill highlights growing U.S. concern over Hungary’s role in the Ukraine war and its relationship with Russia. This legislative push underscores the importance of Western unity in backing Ukraine and countering Russian influence. If enacted, the sanctions could significantly impact Hungarian policy and its role in global security, sparking broad debate among experts and policymakers.