The European Union appears set to face challenges in approving a new sanctions package against Russia as Hungarian resistance looms large. According to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, Hungary has made it clear it will block the approval of the newest sanctions, triggered by the shipment halt of Russian oil through the Droujba pipeline. The blockage was announced by Hungary's Foreign Minister, who indicated that no significant decisions will be approved as long as Ukraine holds back oil deliveries to Hungary.

This new sanctions package, which has been proposed since early February, aims at tightening restrictions on Russia's banking and energy sectors. If passed, it would mark the 20th round of sanctions imposed on Russia since its invasion of Ukraine on February 24. However, the situation highlights ongoing tensions within the EU as member states navigate their national interests against a unified foreign policy stance towards Russia.

The implications of these potential sanctions are significant, not just for bilateral relations between Hungary and Ukraine, but also for the overall cohesion of the EU's approach to Russia. The deadlock could undermine the EU's ability to respond decisively to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, raising concerns about the effectiveness of collective European action against aggression as the war drags on.