Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard declared that any delay in adopting sanctions against Russia constitutes a "failure" for Europe. Speaking on Euronews, she urged increased pressure on Moscow and greater support for Ukraine.
Her remarks follow Hungary's threat to block new EU sanctions. Budapest's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated Hungary would oppose any measures until Ukraine resumes oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline. EU foreign ministers were set to finalize the 20th sanctions package in Brussels, aiming for approval before the four-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Disputes over Russian energy imports, particularly Hungary and Slovakia's suspension of diesel exports to Ukraine, have complicated the consensus needed for new sanctions. Kyiv has repeatedly called for EU members to cease dependence on Russian energy.
Malmer Stenergard also criticized Hungary's potential blockage of a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, calling it a "disgrace." She suggested domestic politics and upcoming elections in Hungary were influencing these decisions.