Hungary's government has backed down on vetoing European Union sanctions on Russia following direct pressure from Washington, according to Politico citing undisclosed sources.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto not to obstruct the extension of sanctions against Russia, prompting Budapest to reverse course without extracting significant concessions.

Viktor Orban had threatened to block the routine six-month extension of the EU's punitive measures against Moscow in January, raising concerns that Hungary would leverage its veto power to negotiate further exemptions or economic benefits.

The January summit was convened after the December meeting was put off, as the Hungarian leader argued that the decision should be made after the inauguration of Donald Trump.

Orban had threatened to put the brakes on the EU sanctions unless Ukraine resumed shipments of Russian gas to Hungary. These guarantees included the protection of gas and oil pipelines.

Before the January 27 summit, Budapest hinted that it would maintain its veto. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, however, indicated that the government would first consult with Washington to clarify the Trump administration's position.

According to sources cited by Politico, the US has ultimately put pressure on Hungary to fall in line. Orban, in turn, has sought to justify the decision by drawing a distinction between American and EU sanctions, claiming that while Brussels' measures were "war sanctions," and harmful, Washington's were "peace sanctions" designed to bring Russia to the negotiating table.

Budapest eventually has withdrawn its veto in exchange for assurances regarding energy security.

The episode has reignited concerns among European officials about Hungary's reliability in adhering to the common EU policies, including sanctions. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna told Politico that the US commitment to tough measures gave the EU confidence, but warned that if Trump were to alter course, Hungary could quickly return to blocking sanctions.

Trump's influence on Budapest's decision-making process is likely to remain a central concern for European policymakers. If Trump chooses to pursue rapprochement with Moscow, Budapest may feel emboldened to wield its veto power more aggressively in upcoming EU sanction negotiations, according to some diplomats.

Politico reached out to the Hungarian Foreign Ministry for comment but received no response.