On February 23, the European Union was unable to ratify its 20th round of sanctions against Russia due to opposition from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Slovak officials. Orbán announced on the preceding day that Hungary would not support any sanctions until the operation of the 'Družba' oil pipeline is restored. This disagreement illustrates the tension among EU member states regarding collective actions against Russia, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, which is approaching its fourth anniversary.

EU's high representative for foreign affairs, Kaja Kallas, expressed disappointment over the failure to reach an agreement. She had hoped that consensus could be achieved before the significant date marking four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This stalemate indicates not only internal divisions within the EU but also the complexities in balancing economic interests with political or humanitarian responses to the war.

Adding to the complications, Hungary and Slovakia have threatened to block a planned EUR 90 billion loan package for Ukraine, aimed at assisting its war efforts. This funding is crucial at a time when negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the US may take place on February 26 and 27, further highlighting the need for a united EU front to support Ukraine in its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.