EU Ukraine Aid: Hungary Blocks €90bn Loan, Sparks Criticism

Brussels erupted in frustration Monday as Hungary blocked both a proposed €90 billion aid package for Ukraine and the European Union’s latest round of sanctions targeting Russia, on the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The move, condemned by several EU leaders as “political sabotage,” threatens to undermine a display of solidarity with Ukraine as key European officials prepare to visit Kyiv on Tuesday.

The impasse centers on Hungary’s demand that Kyiv allow the continued flow of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Hungary and Slovakia. Ukrainian authorities have stated the pipeline was damaged by a Russian strike in January, but Budapest and Bratislava claim Kyiv is intentionally preventing its restart. According to POLITICO, Budapest also seeks assurances regarding the continued delivery of Russian oil.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed astonishment at Hungary’s position, stating, “I don’t think it’s right if Hungary uses its own fight for freedom to betray European sovereignty.” Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys echoed this sentiment, describing himself as “really upset and frustrated,” and asserting that Hungary’s rationale “are not based in European needs, they are not based in European security interests.” Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski reportedly criticized Hungary for appearing to forget its own history of resisting Russian intervention, referencing the Soviet suppression of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.

The blocked sanctions package is the 20th proposed by the EU against Moscow since the invasion began. The €90 billion loan, agreed to by EU leaders in December, is considered crucial for Ukraine’s continued military and financial stability. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa are still scheduled to travel to Kyiv on Tuesday to mark the anniversary of the war, despite the lack of a concrete financial commitment.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed the UK’s continued support for Ukraine, stating that Russia is “not winning this war. They will not win this war,” and pledging to stand by Ukraine “until a just and lasting peace – and beyond.” The UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, is also expected to join the delegation visiting Kyiv.

As of late Monday, no resolution had been reached, and Hungary maintained its veto. EU officials have indicated they are exploring options to circumvent the Hungarian blockade, but no specific plan has been announced. The situation remains unresolved as European leaders prepare to demonstrate support for Ukraine in Kyiv.