The European Union faces paralysis due to two Hungarian vetoes blocking a €90 billion emergency loan for Ukraine and a new package of sanctions against Russia. Budapest's action stems from an energy dispute involving Russian oil transit.
Hungary accuses Ukraine of "blackmail" over damage to the Soviet-era Druzbha pipeline, which has disrupted oil supplies. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that normal relations would resume once oil shipments are restored, demanding the suspension of Hungarian diesel exports to Ukraine be lifted.
Kyiv has rejected the "blackmail" claims, asserting that repair works continue despite missile threats and proposing alternative transit routes for non-Russian oil to Central Europe.
The EU Commission aimed to approve the 20th sanctions round, including a ban on services for Russian oil tankers, by the fourth anniversary of the war. However, "very strong statements" from Hungary have made agreement unlikely. Officials from Sweden, France, and Estonia have criticized the delay, calling it a "disgrace" and a "failure for Europe."
Hungary's veto of the €90 billion loan is contentious, as the aid had already been approved by the European Parliament and EU leaders. The deadlock occurs as Orbán campaigns for reelection, with his government's stance on Ukraine and Brussels a prominent issue. Hungary holds elections on April 12th.