Hungary threatens veto of €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine

Deutsche Welle

February 21, 2026

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Hungary has threatened to veto a €90 billion EU loan package for Ukraine unless Russian oil resumes flowing through the Druzhba pipeline. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has declared that his country will block the financial aid until the pipeline is reopened, claiming Ukraine's actions amount to "blackmail." This move comes as Hungary and Slovakia accuse Ukraine of halting oil supplies through the critical pipeline, which transports Russian oil to both nations. The situation has escalated with Slovakia declaring a state of emergency and threatening retaliatory measures. The Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, has been inactive since January when Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure caused damage. Both Hungary and Slovakia rely heavily on this pipeline for their oil imports, making them the most Russia-friendly EU member states. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has accused Ukraine of coordinating with Brussels and the Hungarian opposition to create supply disruptions ahead of Hungary's upcoming elections. The loan package, agreed by EU leaders in December, aims to support Ukraine through 2027, with €60 billion designated for defense. However, the deal requires final approval from the Council of the European Union, which has been postponed due to Hungary's opposition. The funds are intended to help Ukraine continue defending itself against Russia, but Hungary's veto threat could delay disbursement. This standoff highlights growing divisions within the EU over energy policy and Russia relations. While Kyiv has long urged EU countries to stop buying Russian energy to deny funding for Moscow's war in Ukraine, Hungary and Slovakia have remained opposed to further sanctions on Russia. The situation underscores how energy dependencies can complicate EU unity and foreign policy decisions. The implications of this conflict extend beyond economics, with potential consequences for EU cohesion and the ongoing俄乌局势. As the war approaches its fifth year, the stakes are high, not just for Ukraine's financial stability but also for Europe's ability to present a united front against Russian aggression. The outcome could influence future energy policies and relations between EU member states. This situation is crucial for readers

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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/21/2026