Hungary has threatened to obstruct the adoption of further European Union sanctions against Russia and delay assistance to Ukraine until the resumption of Russian oil deliveries to Hungary. The EU’s foreign ministers are scheduled to convene in Brussels on Monday to deliberate on the bloc’s 20th series of sanctions against Moscow, aimed to coincide with the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Tuesday.
Hungarian Foreign Affairs Minister Péter Szijjártó, in a video shared on social media, declared intentions to block the proposed sanctions, attributing the delay to Ukraine’s alleged interference with the supply of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline. Szijjártó emphasized that Hungary will withhold approval of crucial decisions until Ukrainian oil shipments to Hungary resume.
The disruption of Russian oil deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia since January 27, following reported drone attacks on the Druzhba pipeline by Russia, has strained relations between Budapest and Kyiv. The pipeline serves as a vital route for Russian crude oil transportation through Ukrainian territory to Central Europe.
In order for the sanctions to be enforced, all 27 EU member states must reach a unanimous agreement. Amid Moscow’s military actions in Ukraine since February 24, 2022, most European nations have significantly reduced or completely halted Russian energy imports. However, Hungary and Slovakia, both EU and NATO members, have continued to receive Russian oil and gas, benefiting from a temporary exemption from the EU’s ban on Russian oil imports.
Szijjártó also announced that Hungary would block a substantial 90-billion-euro EU loan designated for Ukraine to support its military and economic requirements over the next two years. This move adds to the escalating tensions between Hungary, Slovakia, and Ukraine over the oil supply interruptions.
Hungary and Slovakia recently announced the suspension of diesel shipments to Ukraine, with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico threatening to cut off emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine unless oil deliveries are restored by Monday. Ukraine has condemned these actions as “blackmail” and accused both countries of aiding the aggressor, Russia.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, known for his close ties with the Kremlin, has consistently argued for the necessity of Russian fossil fuels for Hungary’s economy. Orbán has opposed EU sanctions on Russia, citing potential economic repercussions and has blocked EU initiatives to assist Ukraine financially and militarily.
In a recent attack, Russia launched missiles and drones at various locations in Ukraine, resulting in casualties and significant damage. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting and neutralizing a substantial number of these aerial threats, underscoring the ongoing conflict and humanitarian challenges in the region.