Hungary has threatened to impede the implementation of new European Union sanctions against Russia and delay support for Ukraine until Russian oil deliveries to Hungary resume. This stance was expressed by Hungarian Foreign Affairs Minister Péter Szijjártó in a social media video. The disruption of Russian oil shipments to Hungary and Slovakia since Jan. 27 has been attributed to alleged Russian drone attacks on the Druzhba pipeline, escalating tensions between Budapest and Kyiv.
To pass the sanctions, all 27 EU member states must reach a unanimous decision. While most European countries have reduced or halted Russian energy imports following Moscow’s aggression in Ukraine, Hungary and Slovakia have continued to receive Russian oil and gas, citing economic considerations. Hungary has also indicated its intention to block a significant 90-billion-euro EU loan to Ukraine aimed at supporting the country’s military and economic requirements.
Hungary and Slovakia recently announced measures such as halting diesel shipments to Ukraine and threatening to cut off emergency electricity supplies if oil deliveries are not restored promptly. Ukraine condemned these actions as “ultimatums and blackmail” that play into the hands of the aggressor. The ongoing conflict has seen Russia launching a barrage of missiles and drones at Ukraine, resulting in casualties and destruction, including attacks on energy infrastructure in the Kyiv region and southern Odesa region.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, known for his close ties with the Kremlin, has consistently advocated for maintaining Russian energy sources, arguing against sanctions that could impact Russia’s energy revenues. He has been critical of EU efforts to support Ukraine militarily and financially. The conflict in Ukraine, now in its fourth year, continues to inflict heavy civilian casualties and damage, with both sides engaging in aerial attacks and military operations.
In a recent development, Russia conducted airstrikes on Kyiv suburbs, causing casualties and significant damage. The conflict has also escalated in other regions, with both Ukrainian and Russian forces engaging in drone attacks and missile strikes. Amidst these events, efforts to negotiate peace and resolve the conflict have yet to yield significant breakthroughs.