Hungary again blocked the renewal of European Union sanctions against Russia, demanding at the last minute that Ukraine reopen its gas pipelines and allow Russian gas to flow to Europe.

"Now that the issue of extending sanctions is on the agenda, I have pulled the handbrake and called on European leaders to understand that this is no longer the case," Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in an interview with state-run Kossuth Radio, adding that Hungary cannot afford such a heavy burden of sanctions.

Orban's remarks came just before a meeting of European officials in Brussels, where they sought to re-adopt a comprehensive package of EU sanctions against Russia, which includes severe trade restrictions and the freezing of almost 200 billion euros in Russian state assets. All EU member states must unanimously extend these sanctions every six months.

The Hungarian Prime Minister expresses his dissatisfaction with the termination of the agreement between Moscow and Kiev that enabled the free flow of Russian gas to Europe.

Orban and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warn that the loss of these supplies will affect energy prices and security of supply in their countries.

Ukraine categorically refuses to renew the agreement, while the EU claims that Hungary and Slovakia can easily find alternative sources of fuel.

This shift in Orban's rhetoric comes after he previously advocated that the EU should wait and see how Donald Trump approaches sanctions against Russia before making his own decision. However, that argument lost steam earlier this week when Trump threatened Putin with additional sanctions.

Three European diplomats familiar with the sanctions negotiations say they expect Orban to finally agree to extend the sanctions, possibly as early as Monday, when foreign ministers meet in Brussels. European authorities have until next Friday to reach a deal.

An EU envoy, who requested anonymity to speak freely about the closed-door negotiations, predicts that the sanctions will be extended on Monday despite Orban's reservations expressed during preparatory meetings.

Monday's agenda shows that Hungary has not yet made a final decision. Diplomats are interpreting this as a positive sign - an indication that Orban has not yet instructed his officials to veto the renewal of sanctions.

"Hungary often behaves very transactionally. Will they ask for something energy-related? There are currently no concrete demands on the table. We have not heard anything from Orban's team in Brussels since Trump was inaugurated," another diplomat said.

Polish chief diplomat Radosław Sikorski, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, expressed hope that the EU will not only approve the extension of sanctions, but also adopt new additional measures against Russia.