Hungary Blocks EU Sanctions on Russia & Aid to Ukraine

Hungary is blocking a new package of European Union sanctions against Russia and a planned 90-billion-euro ($106 billion) aid package for Ukraine, Hungarian Foreign Affairs Minister Péter Szijjártó announced Sunday. The move, timed to coincide with the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Tuesday, hinges on the resumption of Russian oil deliveries to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline. Szijjártó stated Hungary would “not consent to the adoption of the 20th package of sanctions” until Ukraine restarts the oil shipments. He accused Ukraine of deliberately interrupting the flow, a claim that has not been independently verified. The EU’s foreign ministers are scheduled to meet in Brussels on Monday to discuss the proposed 20th round of sanctions against Moscow. The interruption of Russian oil shipments to Hungary and Slovakia has been ongoing since January, according to reports. The proposed EU aid package for Ukraine is intended to provide financial assistance over the next four years. Hungary’s opposition to both measures presents a significant obstacle to the EU’s continued support for Ukraine and its efforts to pressure Russia. EU diplomats are currently attempting to overcome Hungary’s objections, according to reports. The situation underscores the challenges facing the EU in maintaining a unified front against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. No resolution had been reached as of Monday morning, with the EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels.