The EU has removed a number of Russians from its sanctions list after pressure from Hungary and Slovakia, securing a deal to extend broader measures. The move highlights growing divisions within the bloc over its stance on Moscow,

The European Union has reached a deal with Hungary to renew sanctions on more than 2,400 primarily Russian entities and individuals hours before they were set to expire on March 15, an EU official with knowledge of the negotiations told the Kyiv independent.

The European Union (EU) is facing a major challenge as Hungary is threatening to block the renewal of sanctions against around 2,000 Russian individuals. These sanctions include travel restrictions and the freezing of assets belonging to politicians and business figures believed to have supported Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.