BUDAPEST – Hungary will obstruct the European Union’s newest sanctions package against Russia unless Ukraine restores flow through a vital oil pipeline feeding the landlocked nation, Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto declared Sunday.
“No support for sanctions; the 20th sanctions package will be rejected,” Orban posted on X, while Szijjarto added: “Until Ukraine resumes oil transit to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline, we will not allow decisions important to Kyiv to move forward.
“The ultimatum follows Orban’s February 21 threat to block a €100 billion EU loan to Ukraine over the same issue. Ukraine claims Russian strikes damaged the Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian crude across its territory to Hungary and Slovakia on January 27.
The proposed sanctions target Russia’s banking and energy sectors, marking the EU’s 20th round since Moscow’s February 24, 2022, invasion of Ukraine. The European Commission also plans to invoke its anti-coercion instrument for the first time, barring exports of machine tools and radio gear to nations risking re-export to Russia. All 27 EU states must approve for enactment.