Hungary prolonged its blockage of the renewal of sanctions against Russia as Prime Minister Viktor Orban called on the European Union to pressure Ukraine to re-establish the transit of Russian gas to Europe.

“Now the issue of extending sanctions is on the agenda, I have put on the handbrake and asked European leaders to understand that this cannot continue,” said Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, speaking to state broadcaster Kossuth Radio. “Hungary cannot be made to pay the price of sanctions in such proportions.”

Hungary has not yet decided whether to support the sanctions rollover due at the end of this month. The EU renews sanctions every six months and requires unanimity among its 27 member countries to do so.

Sanctions imposed by the outgoing U.S. administration on Prime Minister Viktor Orban's cabinet chief Antal Rogan, who is in charge of the secret service, have only strengthened his position, Orban told state radio on Friday.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said he wants the European Union to intervene over a gas dispute between his country and Ukraine – a potential sign of friction in the bloc’s upcoming discussions over renewing sanctions against Russia.

Hungary said it will consult the United States before making a decision about renewing the European Union’s sanctions against Russia as a deadline looms at the end of the month.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is making the extension of sanctions against Russia contingent on Ukraine fulfilling several conditions. Among these, he has mentioned the resumption of Russian gas transit through Ukrainian territory and ensuring the security of oil supplies.