Budapest Demands Pipeline Repairs Before Approving Sanctions
Hungary has announced it will block the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia until Ukrainian oil deliveries to the country resume. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán told the Energy Security Council that the EU will also withhold the €90 billion war loan for Ukraine while the Druzhba pipeline, damaged by a Russian strike, remains unrepaired. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed Hungary’s stance, saying the EU cannot move forward with the sanctions package until oil flows are restored.
The council also raised concerns about Ukraine’s electricity imports, nearly half of which come from Hungary. Officials warned that halting these energy supplies could have serious consequences for Hungarian citizens and ethnic Hungarians in Transcarpathia, calling for “particular caution.”
Slovakia Joins Hungary in Threatening Energy Cuts
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico issued a similar warning, stating that if oil deliveries to Slovakia are not restored by Monday, emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine could be suspended. Oil shipments to both Hungary and Slovakia were halted at the end of January following a Russian drone attack on the Druzhba pipeline.
Ukraine Condemns “Ultimatums” and Calls Action Irresponsible
Kyiv has strongly rejected the threats, accusing Hungary and Slovakia of “ultimatums and blackmail” that benefit Russian aggression. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said the actions are “provocative, irresponsible, and threaten the energy security of the entire region,” especially amid ongoing Russian attacks that have left many Ukrainians without heat and electricity during a harsh winter.
Orbán, who has one of the closest relationships with Moscow among EU leaders, has consistently argued that Russian energy is vital for Hungary’s economy and claims that switching to alternative sources would trigger economic collapse—a claim disputed by some experts. He has repeatedly blocked EU efforts to sanction Russia and has vetoed plans to provide military and financial assistance to Ukraine.
