Hungary blocked the adoption of a new package of European Union sanctions against Russia at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday, jeopardizing the bloc’s efforts to increase pressure on Moscow ahead of the fourth anniversary of its invasion of Ukraine. The move came alongside a renewed Hungarian veto of a proposed €90 billion aid package for Kyiv.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed his country’s opposition to both measures, stating that Hungary would not consent to the decisions unless Ukraine allowed the resumption of Russian oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline. Szijjártó accused the Ukrainian leadership of deliberately blocking the pipeline for political reasons, a claim disputed by Ukrainian officials who cite Russian bombardments as the cause of the disruption.
The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, expressed her dismay at Hungary’s stance, calling it a setback. “This represents not the message we wanted to send,” Kallas said after the meeting. She added that efforts to secure the sanctions would continue, but offered no timeline for a potential breakthrough.
The blockage extends beyond sanctions, as Hungary is also preventing the approval of a crucial EU loan to Ukraine. This dual veto is occurring as the EU attempts to demonstrate unity and resolve in supporting Ukraine, particularly on the eve of the anniversary of the full-scale invasion.
Slovakia is reportedly supporting Hungary’s position, continuing to rely heavily on Russian crude oil. According to reports, Slovakian oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline were briefly interrupted but are expected to resume on Wednesday, February 25th.
EU Council President Antonio Costa urged Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to lift the blockade on the financial aid for Ukraine, emphasizing that any deviation from commitments made within the European Council would violate the principle of loyal cooperation. Szijjártó, however, defended Hungary’s position, stating in a Facebook post that “a large fight will happen, everyone will demand our blood, but that’s just the way it is.” He asserted that Hungary would not yield to pressure regarding its energy security.
The EU Commission had previously called on all member states to honor their commitments regarding the €90 billion aid package. The situation leaves the future of both the sanctions package and the financial aid for Ukraine uncertain, with no immediate compromise in sight.
