{"id":34334,"date":"2026-02-24T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=34334"},"modified":"2026-02-23T23:59:25","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T21:59:25","slug":"hungarys-veto-stalls-eu-sanctions-on-russia-and-106-billion-ukraine-support-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/hungarys-veto-stalls-eu-sanctions-on-russia-and-106-billion-ukraine-support-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"Hungary\u2019s veto stalls EU sanctions on Russia and $106 billion Ukraine support plan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

5 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hungary maintained its veto on new European Union sanctions against Russia and a $106.11 billion financial package for Ukraine on February 23, 2026, delivering a blow to European unity just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia\u2019s full-scale invasion.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The decision has intensified tensions within the EU and exposed deep divisions over energy dependence and support for Kyiv. The immediate trigger for the standoff is the suspension of Russian oil flows through the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shipments to Hungary and Slovakia have been cut off since January 27, 2026. Both countries rely heavily on Russian crude delivered through this route and operate the EU\u2019s only two refineries still dependent on Druzhba supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ukraine says the oil stoppage was caused by Russian attacks on pipeline infrastructure in January and insists repairs are underway. However, Hungary and Slovakia accuse Kyiv of deliberately halting deliveries. Hungary has made clear it will block further EU sanctions on Moscow until oil supplies resume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slovakia followed Hungary\u2019s move by announcing it would refuse emergency electricity assistance requests from Ukraine starting Monday, unless oil flows restart. The dispute marks one of the most serious confrontations between the three neighboring countries since the war began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further escalating the situation, Ukraine reported that its drones struck a Russian pumping station in the Tatarstan region overnight. The facility is part of the Druzhba network designed to transport Russian oil to Eastern Europe through Ukrainian territory.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Russian<\/a>
Russian President Vladimir Putin meeting with Prime Minister of Hungary Victor Orban at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on November 28, 2025. (Image Credit: Kremlin\/Vladimir Gerdo\/TASS)<\/sup><\/em>

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EU Leaders Express Frustration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

European Union\u2019s Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged the failure to reach an agreement on the 20th sanctions package. \u201cWe have not reached an agreement on the 20th sanctions package,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is a setback and a message we didn’t want to send today, but the work continues.\u201d
Antonio Costa urged Hungary\u2019s prime minister to respect the previously agreed $106.11 billion loan arrangement intended to help Ukraine meet urgent military and financial needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, Viktor Orb\u00e1n responded in a letter stating that Ukraine could restore oil flows if it chose to do so. \u201cI am not in a position to support any decision whatsoever favorable to Ukraine until they return to normality,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poland\u2019s prime minister described Hungary\u2019s actions as \u201cpolitical sabotage,\u201d reflecting broader frustration among EU member states that view Budapest\u2019s stance as undermining collective European strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dispute threatens to overshadow a planned display of European solidarity in Kyiv. Several EU leaders are expected to visit the Ukrainian capital to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia\u2019s invasion, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
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Tonight, we adorn our European institutions with the colours of Ukraine.

Two colours, carrying the spirit of courage.
\u2070Two colours, burning with resistance.

Four years into Russia\u2019s full-scale war, these colours are shining brighter than ever

Slava Ukraini. pic.twitter.com\/Ctu4bPYOwI<\/a><\/p>— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 23, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>