The European Union requires a unanimous vote to extend sanctions on Russia, a situation Hungary's Viktor Orban wants to use to pressure the bloc into forcing Ukraine to reopen a transit pipeline for Russian gas.

The European Union is unlikely to propose phasing out Russian liquefied natural gas as part of a new package of sanctions targeting Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine, according to people familiar with the matter.

Hungary's representatives have not yet agreed to a decision on the extension of EU sanctions against Russia. The issue will be considered at an EU Council meeting at foreign minister level on Monday,

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his country’s allies should work towards determining a format for any upcoming peace talks with Russia and that Kyiv must be involved for successful negotiations.

By Max Hunder KYIV (Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hopes Europe and the United States will be involved in any talks about ending his country's war with Russia, he told reporters on Saturday.

The ongoing war in Ukraine has raised concerns about how and when peace talks might take place, and who will be involved in shaping the outcome. Also read "I Betrayed My Homeland": North Korean Soldier Leaves Tragic Last Words During a meeting in Kyiv with Moldovan President Maia Sandu,