The European Union's efforts to impose a 20th package of sanctions against Russia were hindered on February 23 when Hungary exercised its veto power during a crucial Foreign Affairs Council meeting. This package was aimed at delivering a significant message to Moscow as the anniversary of its invasion of Ukraine approached. The foreign policy chief of the EU, Kaja Kallas, expressed disappointment over the inability to reach an agreement, emphasizing that this setback was not the message the EU intended to convey on such an important date. Nevertheless, she reassured that discussions would continue in hopes of finding a resolution.

The rejection of the sanctions package illustrates the ongoing divisions within the EU, particularly concerning energy dependency on Russian oil. The Druzhba pipeline, which is a key route for transporting Russian crude to Hungary and Slovakia, has been non-operational since late January due to Russian attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure. Tensions escalated further as Hungary and Slovakia accused Ukraine of causing delays in necessary repairs to the pipeline, a claim that Kyiv firmly denied just days prior to the veto.

This incident not only reflects internal conflicts within the EU regarding collective decision-making and unity against Russia but also lays bare the challenges faced by countries dealing with dependency on Russian energy. With the anniversary of the invasion looming, the implications of Hungary’s veto could weaken the EU's stance on Russia, raising concerns among member states about diminished cohesiveness in their approach to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.