US penalty signal to Hungary, which does not approve Sweden’s entry into NATO

According to the Washington Post report, Risch took steps to “punish” Hungary, which has yet to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership.

Risch, in declarations to the newspaper, affirmed that it has suspended the sale of arms worth 735 million dollars to Hungary.

Noting that Hungary should allow Sweden to join NATO if it wants the arms package, Risch said: “I have directly conveyed my concerns to the Hungarian government about disapproval of Sweden’s NATO membership.”

Within the scope of such a weapons package, it was planned to supply Hungary with 24 HIMARS rocket launch batteries and more than 100 rockets.

All US arms sales to a foreign state must be approved by Republican and Democratic leaders in the Senate and House Foreign Affairs committees before the State Department announces the sale.

Risch’s objection will prevent the State Department from moving forward with the sale process. (AA)