Russia would like to see a resumption in the transit of gas via Ukraine, the Kremlin said on Tuesday, after the European Commission issued a statement saying it planned to continue talks with Kyiv on natural gas supplies to Europe.

The European Union renewed on Monday its wide-ranging sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine, after Hungary stopped holding up the move in return for a declaration on energy security.

Hungary wants the European Union to intervene in a gas dispute it has with Ukraine, a potential sign of friction in the bloc’s upcoming discussions over renewing sanctions against Russia.

Hungary, one of Russia’s main friends in the EU, had left its EU counterparts fuming over a refusal so far to approve the move.

Hungary has stopped delaying the renewal of European sanctions on Moscow, which may have detrimental consequences on its relationship with Russia.

BRUSSELS – Hungary removed its veto on the EU's six-month extension of Russia sanctions on Monday, but it may not be its last standoff. The deal was struck after the EU agreed to issue a joint, non-binding statement by top diplomat Kaja Kallas and the European Commission to support Hungary's energy security at Monday's meeting of foreign ministers.

Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low-cost airline, has announced the launch of three new routes for summer 2025. Building on the recently unveiled Kuwait-to-Budapest route, the airline will commence direct flights to Sochi, Russia, and Hurghada, Egypt in the coming summer season.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she expected the bloc to renew its sanctions on Russia on Monday after Hungary signalled it would stop holding up the move in return for assurances about energy security.

Open Ukraine project, published by NV as its media partner. “It was known two years ago that starting Jan. 1, 2025, there would be no transit of Russian [natural] gas through Ukrainian territory,” Portnikov noted.

Putin is attempting to use the prospect of negotiations to buy time and gain an upper hand in the war in Ukraine, even as he slyly appeals to President Trump's ego. Trump must not let himself be fooled.

Some EU officials are considering resuming Russian pipeline gas imports as part of a potential peace agreement with Ukraine, sparking controversy and opposition within the bloc.