BUDAPEST: Hungary has threatened to derail the European Union’s (EU) efforts to impose new sanctions on Russia, escalating a diplomatic standoff over disrupted energy supplies. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó explicitly stated that Budapest will not support the upcoming sanctions package unless Russian oil transit via Ukraine is fully restored. Furthermore, Hungary has signaled it may block a $90 billion financial aid package intended for Ukraine.
The tension stems from a January disruption in oil flow to Hungary and Slovakia through Ukrainian territory, following Russian drone strikes that damaged key pipeline infrastructure. However, Hungary alleges that Ukraine is deliberately obstructing the repairs and the subsequent supply. In a retaliatory move, both Hungary and Slovakia have decided to suspend diesel exports to Ukraine. Slovakia has further warned it will cut off emergency electricity supplies if the oil flow remains blocked.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the stance taken by its neighbors, accusing them of using energy blackmail while the country faces a brutal winter and an ongoing energy crisis. Kyiv further alleged that Budapest and Bratislava are effectively aiding Russia’s interests. Conversely, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán maintains that Russian oil is indispensable for his country’s economic stability and energy security.
