Austrian politician Herbert Kickl, known for his pro-Russian and anti-American views, has a good chance of becoming the country's next leader and causing problems for the EU, like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. About it writes the publication Politico.

The publication notes that the far-right Freedom Party, led by Kickl, has been leading in nationwide polls since November. Earlier, the politician promised to use the right of veto to block the adoption of anti-Russian sanctions.

This will create serious problems for the European Union, which is already trying to deal with Hungary, where nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban systematically takes control of all the main levers of power.

Politico writes that Austria is not the only country in the region “prone to Orbanism.” Neighboring Slovakia is also teetering on the brink of a resurgence of populism, the article notes. European officials warn that a victory for pro-Russian forces in Slovakia and Austria would give Russian President Vladimir Putin a powerful tool against Ukraine, making it easier for him to undermine sanctions and EU aid efforts for Ukraine.

“It will be a disaster,” one EU official commented on the prospect.

The results of a survey by the Globsec analytical center showed that Slovakia is the most Russophile country in Eastern Europe and sympathizes with the Russian Federation most of all in matters related to the Ukrainian conflict.

The President of Slovakia fears that after the parliamentary elections, the country's foreign policy may become similar to the course of Hungary.