Hungary Threatens to Block EU Sanctions and Loan to Ukraine Amid Druzhba Pipeline Crisis
In a significant development, Hungary has threatened to veto the adoption of the 20th series of European sanctions against Russia and block a €90 billion ($106 billion) European Union loan to Ukraine. The stern action from Budapest comes in response to Ukraine's decision to halt oil shipments through the Druzhba pipeline, a move that Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has termed as clear political blackmail
aimed at undermining Hungary's energy security.
Background and Context
The Druzhba pipeline, a vital route for Russian oil deliveries to parts of Central Europe, including Hungary, has been a subject of contention after Ukraine decided to stop the flow of oil in late January. The move has triggered a deepening spat between Ukraine and its neighbors, Hungary and Slovakia, over Russian oil imports. Slovakia has also declared a state of emergency following Ukraine's decision, resorting to its strategic oil reserves and looking at alternative import routes.
Key Developments
Szijjártó stated that Hungary would oppose the EU funding package until oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline resumes. Ukraine is blackmailing Hungary by halting oil transit in coordination with Brussels and the Hungarian opposition to create supply disruptions in Hungary and push fuel prices higher before the elections,
Szijjártó said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban echoed Szijjártó's sentiment, accusing Ukraine of blatant political blackmail.
Slovakia, too, has issued an ultimatum to Ukraine, threatening to cut its emergency electricity supplies unless the oil deliveries are resumed. Amid these threats, Ukraine has called for dialogue and suggested the EU consider using the Odessa-Brody oil pipeline as an alternative to Druzhba.
Implications and Reactions
The halt in oil supplies and the subsequent reaction from Hungary and Slovakia have added another layer of complexity to the already strained relations between Ukraine and Russia. EU foreign ministers are due to meet in Brussels to discuss the bloc's 20th round of sanctions against Moscow, a move that Hungary threatens to block.
The European Union has warned of the risks of renewed Russian strikes during the repairs of the Druzhba pipeline and has stated that only Ukraine should decide when the infrastructure can be restored.
Current Status
As of now, the transit of oil via the pipeline has remained on hold. Hungary and Slovakia are firm in their retaliatory measures against Ukraine, maintaining that they will block EU sanctions and aid to Ukraine until oil flow through the Druzhba pipeline is resumed. Meanwhile, Ukraine's stance remains uncertain, with the country calling for dialogue while also suggesting alternative oil transit routes.
As the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels looms, the resolution of this crisis will have far-reaching implications for the geopolitical dynamics in the region. The situation continues to evolve, with all eyes now on Ukraine's next move and the EU's response to Hungary's veto threats.