Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has issued a warning that he will use his veto power to block a €90 billion financial aid loan from the European Union to Ukraine. This ultimatum comes in response to Ukraine's decision to keep the Druzhba oil pipeline closed, which transports Russian oil through Ukraine to Hungary. Orbán's comments reflect a broader geopolitical tension in the region, especially given Hungary's positioning as one of Russia's biggest allies in Europe.

The Druzhba pipeline's closure was the result of damage incurred during a Russian attack earlier this year, which has angered both Hungary and Slovakia. Orbán has taken a defiant stance, emphasizing that Hungary will not be dictated to by Ukraine and will oppose the EU loan until oil deliveries resume. His remarks were made public via a post on Facebook, solidifying his position against what he views as unilateral actions by Ukraine that impact Hungary's energy supply.

The situation is further complicated by ramifications within the EU, as member states grapple with energy security issues stemming from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico also expressed frustration over the pipeline's closure, underscoring the interconnected energy dependencies among Central European nations. This scenario highlights the delicate balance these countries must maintain between adhering to EU policies and aligning with their national interests, particularly in the context of relations with Russia.