Two U.S. senators from opposing parties are set to introduce legislation aimed at imposing sanctions on senior Hungarian officials for obstructing aid to Ukraine. This initiative follows Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s recent decision to block a €90 billion loan intended for Ukraine.
The proposed bill is expected to be introduced this week. If enacted, the “Blocking Putin” legislation would mandate U.S. President Donald Trump to implement sanctions against Hungarian government officials involved in the procurement of Russian oil and gas, as well as those obstructing support for Ukraine.
The bill’s sponsors, Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Senator Thom Tillis, co-chair the Senate NATO Observer Group. Both have publicly expressed concerns regarding Europe’s reliance on Russian energy supplies.
Thom Tillis emphasized the importance of unity among the U.S. and its allies in supporting Ukraine by cutting off revenue that fuels Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war efforts. He stated, “This legislation holds high-ranking Hungarian officials accountable while providing Hungary a clear path to restore relations with its allies by ending its dependence on Russian energy and ceasing its obstruction of support for Ukraine.”
Jeanne Shaheen criticized U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance, who is reportedly planning a visit to Hungary shortly before parliamentary elections. Shaheen remarked, “It is astonishing that Vice President Vance is reportedly planning to visit Hungary to support a corrupt government that continues to fund the Russian military machine.”
She further asserted that if the U.S. aims to end the war in Ukraine, the Trump administration must apply consistent standards to all its allies, stressing that no one, particularly Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, should remain unaccountable.
Additionally, the Financial Times reported that Orbán is not directly named in the proposed sanctions.
A congressional aide clarified that it is up to the Trump administration to identify which Hungarian officials were involved in delaying aid to Ukraine and maintaining Hungary’s dependence on Russian energy supplies.
Two U.S. senators are introducing a bill to sanction Hungarian officials blocking aid to Ukraine. The legislation aims to hold accountable those involved in Russian energy procurement and obstructing support for Ukraine.