Hungary has recently stated its position regarding the new package of European Union (EU) sanctions aimed at Russia, declaring that it will obstruct them unless Ukraine restarts the flow of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline. This stance was articulated by Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, who accused Ukraine of intentionally delaying the resumption of these oil deliveries. With the EU foreign ministers meeting scheduled to discuss the sanctions package just a day before the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the timing amplifies the stakes involved.

Szijjártó's comments reflect a broader context where Hungary has often taken a defiant stance against the EU's collective sanctions strategy. He emphasized that Hungary would not consent to the approval of the sanctions package, and any decisions that are crucial for Ukraine would be held hostage until oil supplies resume. This creates a potential impasse in the EU, as all member states must agree unanimously for new sanctions to pass.

This threat has significant implications for both domestic and international politics, not just for Hungary and Ukraine, but for the EU's integrated approach to responding to Russia's actions. With Hungary also previously indicating it would block a proposed €90 billion loan to Ukraine, the situation underscores the complexities in European solidarity and the varying interests among EU member states regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.