The crisis between Hungary and Ukraine has escalated after Hungary decided not to ratify a €90 billion EU loan politically approved in December to support Ukraine.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said on Friday that Hungary will block the agreement until Ukraine repairs the Druzhba pipeline, which Hungary relies on for oil supplies. He accused Kiev of “blackmailing Hungary by halting oil transit in coordination with Brussels and the Hungarian opposition.”
The EU loan is vital for Ukraine, which is expected to run out of funds by April, while facing continuous Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure. Ratification of the loan requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, known for his pro-Moscow stance and opposition to Ukraine’s EU accession, also accused Kiev of political blackmail over the unrepaired pipeline.
The decision comes as Brussels tries to finalize the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, which is also facing obstacles from Budapest and several other EU countries.
The European Commission has urged all member states to respect the December agreement, calling the financial support critical for Ukraine’s budgetary and military needs.
