Russia may be freed from EU sanctions as early as the morning of March 16 if Hungary blocks their extension. Read below why this time Budapest's purely pragmatic demands have been joined by political ones,

European Union member states agreed to extend sanctions on individual Russians, including a number of billionaires, after Hungary dropped its opposition.

The European Union agreed on Friday to renew sanctions on Russian individuals and entities but kept Russian tycoon Mikhail Fridman on the list despite pressure from Hungary, EU diplomats said. EU sanctions must be renewed every six months in a unanimous vote by the 27 member states' ambassadors to Brussels.

The clock for renewal was ticking fast as sanctions on Russian individuals and companies were set to expire by midnight on Saturday. View on euronews

A source familiar with the matter has told European Pravda that EU ambassadors agreed on Friday 13 March to extend a number of EU sanctions against Russia after reaching an agreement with Hungary. Source: European Pravda Details: The source said the decision was made in writing.

Hungary has withdrawn its veto, allowing the European Union to renew sanctions on more than 2,400 individuals and entities, mostly from Russia, just two days before the measures were set to expire. The breakthrough came on Friday morning,

Hungary's resistance has put the EU in a situation of maximum suspense less than 72 hours before the individual sanctions are set to expire. View on euronews