Hungary will block €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine until Russian oil shipments resume
Oil disruption occurred after alleged Russian drone damaged Druzhba pipeline
Hungary and Slovakia suspended diesel shipments to Ukraine
Hungary's government has consistently opposed EU sanctions against Russia
📖 Full Retelling
Hungary's foreign minister Péter Szijjártó announced in Budapest on Saturday, February 21, 2026, that his country will block a planned 90-billion-euro ($106-billion) European Union loan to Ukraine until the flow of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline resumes, following disruptions that have strained relations between the neighboring countries. The disruption in Russian oil shipments occurred on January 27, 2026, after what Ukrainian officials described as a Russian drone attack damaged the crucial Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian crude across Ukrainian territory into Central European countries including Hungary and Slovakia. Both nations, which have received temporary exemptions from EU policies prohibiting Russian oil imports, have accused Ukraine of deliberately impeding supplies without providing concrete evidence. In response to the alleged interference, Hungary and Slovakia ceased shipping diesel to Ukraine this week, escalating tensions between the countries. In a video posted on social media Friday evening, Foreign Minister Szijjártó accused Ukraine of 'blackmailing' Hungary by failing to restart oil shipments, declaring 'We will not give in to this blackmail. We do not support Ukraine's war, we will not pay for it.' He explicitly stated that 'As long as Ukraine blocks the resumption of oil supplies to Hungary, Hungary will block European Union decisions that are important and favorable for Ukraine.' Hungary's decision came two days after it suspended diesel shipments to Ukraine and only days before the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
🏷️ Themes
EU-Ukraine relations, Energy politics, Geopolitical tensions
The Druzhba pipeline (Russian: нефтепровод «Дружба», Czech: Ropovod Družba), also referred to as the Friendship Pipeline and the Comecon Pipeline, is one of the world's longest oil pipelines and one of the largest oil pipeline networks in the world. It began operation in 1964 and remains in operatio...
The petroleum or oil industry in Russia is one of the largest in the world. Russia has the largest reserves and was the largest exporter of natural gas. It has the sixth largest oil reserves, and is one of the largest producers of oil.
# Ukraine
**Ukraine** is a country located in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest country in Europe by area, after Russia. Known for its extensive fertile plains, the nation serves as a critical global exporter of grain and is considered a middle power in international affairs.
## Geography a...
Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe. Spanning much of the Carpathian Basin, it is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast, Romania to the east and southeast, Serbia to the south, Croatia and Slovenia to the southwest, and Austria to the west. Hungary lies within the...
Hungary's decision to block a €90bn EU loan to Ukraine underscores the geopolitical tensions between EU member states over Russian energy dependence. It signals a potential shift in EU solidarity and could influence future sanctions and aid packages.
Context & Background
Hungary and Slovakia maintain Russian oil supplies despite EU sanctions
Druzhba pipeline damaged, disrupting oil flow to Central Europe
EU loan package for Ukraine was partially blocked by Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic but later agreed to not block
What Happens Next
Hungary may proceed with blocking the loan if oil flow remains halted, prompting EU to seek alternative financing or pressure Hungary. Ukraine may look for other donors and negotiate energy security. EU could tighten sanctions or reconsider loan terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Hungary blocking the loan?
Because it sees Russian oil shipments as leverage and wants to pressure Ukraine.
What is the Druzhba pipeline?
A major pipeline carrying Russian crude through Ukraine into Central Europe.
Will the loan be canceled?
It could be blocked if conditions are not met, but EU may negotiate.
How does this affect EU unity?
It highlights divisions over sanctions and aid.
Original Source
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