Hungary threatens to block EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia

Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced that Budapest will block the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia, scheduled for Monday, February 23rd, unless Ukraine restores oil transit via the "Druzhba" pipeline.

Key points

• The blockage is tied to Ukraine allegedly refusing to repair the damaged "Druzhba" pipeline following a Russian attack on January 27th near Brody.
• Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán previously threatened to halt electricity supplies to Ukraine if oil transit was not restored.
• Hungary also announced a halt to diesel fuel supplies to Ukraine and blocked a 90 billion euro EU loan for Ukraine.
• The proposed 20th package reportedly includes a total ban on seaborne Russian crude oil transport and restrictions on certain Russian metals and minerals.

Why it matters

This action highlights internal EU divisions over sanctions against Russia, linking energy transit issues to broader foreign policy decisions.