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.

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 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 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.

About half of Russian assaults across a 1,000km- (620-mile-) front have focused on the town of Pokrovsk, in Ukraine’s east, throughout the past week. The town is considered to be a gateway to the most heavily fortified areas left in Ukraine’s hands in the region of Donetsk.

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.

Václav Bartuška, the Czech Foreign Ministry's Special Envoy for Energy Security, explained this statement. "For the Czech Republic and Europe in general, this does not matter fundamentally," he said.