Hungary has announced it will block a significant 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine until the restoration of Russian oil supplies through its territory.
As the Russia-Ukraine war marks its four-year anniversary, cracks within the European Union have widened following Hungary's announcement to halt a substantial 90 billion euro loan intended for Ukraine. Hungary's foreign minister, Peter Szijjarto, has accused Ukraine of blackmail, asserting that the assistance will not be proceed until the flow of Russian oil through Ukraine is reinstated. This stance comes in light of a disruption in Russian oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia, which started on January 27.
Ukraine claims that the disruption was due to a pipeline damaged in a recent Russian drone strike, a narrative that Hungary refuses to accept. The pipeline in question is vital for transporting Russian crude oil from Ukraine into Central Europe. Hungary's firm stance not only complicates diplomatic relations within the EU but could also have significant implications for Ukraine's economy as it grapples with the ongoing conflict and reliance on foreign aid.
In the days leading up to its decision, Hungary had already imposed a halt on shipments of diesel to Ukraine, signaling a more aggressive posture against Kiev. The backdrop of the energy crisis and Hungary's reliance on Russian oil underscores the challenges facing EU unity. This development raises concerns about the EU's ability to present a united front in the face of external pressures, particularly in the context of the ongoing war and sanctions against Russia.
