Serbia, Slovakia and Poland's call for a permanent end to Russian gas flows pose issues for the Russian leader.

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.

Before relenting, Budapest had threatened to allow billions of dollars to flow back to the Kremlin in a row over energy imports.

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.

Before reupping the sanctions, Budapest wanted to wait for Trump's inauguration, then insisted Brussels push Ukraine to reopen a gas pipeline running to Central Europe.

The European Union renewed its sanctions on Russia for another six months after Hungary received energy security assurances. Despite initial resistance, Hungary supported the decision, which prevents Moscow from financing its war efforts.

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

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.

European Union foreign ministers agreed on Monday to extend sanctions on Russia over its war against Ukraine after Hungary lifted its opposition to the move.

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

The sanctions target trade, finance, energy, technology, industry, transport and luxury goods and include a ban on seaborne crude oil.