Finance
Hungary to block new EU sanctions on Russia over Ukraine pipeline dispute
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 22, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 22, 2026
Tags:European Union
Quick Summary
Hungary will veto the EU’s 20th Russia sanctions package until Druzhba oil flows via Ukraine resume. The dispute also threatens a €90bn EU loan to Kyiv and heightens regional energy tensions.
Hungary vows to block EU's 20th Russia sanctions amid pipeline row
BUDAPEST, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Hungary will block the European Union's next package of sanctions against Russia, the foreign minister said on Sunday, the latest step aimed at pushing Ukraine to resume the flow of Russian oil through a pipeline supplying Hungarian refineries.
Druzhba Pipeline Disruption
Shipments of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline have been cut off since January 27, when Kyiv said a Russian drone strike hit pipeline equipment in Western Ukraine. Slovakia and Hungary say Ukraine is to blame for the prolonged outage.
Key Dates: Jan 27 & Feb 22
Impact on Hungary and Slovakia
The EU is currently preparing its 20th sanctions package against Russia over the war in Ukraine. While negotiations are ongoing, many member countries would like to agree the package in time for the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, on Tuesday.
Foreign Affairs Council Timeline
"At tomorrow's Foreign Affairs Council, the EU aims to adopt the 20th sanctions package. Hungary will block it," Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on the X platform.
Condition for Lifting Block
"Until Ukraine resumes oil transit to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline, we will not allow decisions important to Kyiv to move forward," Szijjarto said in the post.
EU Energy Dispute and Sanctions Standoff
DEEPENING DISPUTE
The issue has caused one of the angriest disputes yet between Ukraine and neighbouring Hungary and Slovakia. Both countries are EU and NATO members, but their leaders have bucked the largely pro-Ukrainian consensus in Europe to cultivate warm ties with Moscow.
Budapest's Veto of €90bn Ukraine Loan
On Friday, Szijjarto said Hungary would block a 90-billion-euro ($106 billion) EU loan for Ukraine to fund its defence against Russia until the Druzhba shipments resumed. The EU needs to amend its budget law to unlock the loan - a step requiring unanimous backing.
Threats to Cut Power Supplies
Hungary and Slovakia have also threatened to stop electricity supplies to Ukraine over the issue.
Kyiv's Response
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as "ultimatums and blackmail" by the Hungarian and Slovak governments on Saturday.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Gergely Szakacs;Additional reporting by Andrew Gray and Lili Bayer;Editing by Helen Popper)
Key Takeaways
- •Hungary says it will block the EU’s 20th sanctions package on Russia.
- •Budapest demands Ukraine resume Druzhba pipeline oil transit to Hungary and Slovakia.
- •Flows have been halted since Jan. 27 after damage from a reported Russian drone strike.
- •Hungary also threatens to veto a €90bn EU loan intended for Ukraine.
- •EU states aim to finalize the package by Feb. 24, the war’s fourth anniversary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hungary to block new EU sanctions on Russia over Ukraine pipeline dispute
1What is the main topic?
Hungary plans to block the EU’s 20th sanctions package on Russia, tying approval to the resumption of Druzhba pipeline oil transit through Ukraine to Hungarian and Slovak refineries.
2Why is Hungary threatening a veto?
Budapest argues that Ukraine must restart Russian oil flows via Druzhba before decisions important to Kyiv—such as new sanctions and an EU loan—can move forward.
3What is the Druzhba pipeline and why does it matter?
Druzhba is a major route for Russian crude to Central Europe. Since Jan. 27, flows to Hungary and Slovakia have been halted after reported damage, tightening regional fuel supplies.
