US EditionHungary to Block EUR 90 Bln Loan to Ukraine over Oil Stoppage, Minister Says
Hungary demands resumption of Russian oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline before approving a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine amid rising political tensions.
- On Friday, Hungary blocked a 90 billion euro EU loan for Ukraine until Druzhba pipeline oil transit resumes, Hungary's ambassador raised objections at an EU meeting.
- Druzhba flows were halted on January 27, 2026, after a Russian strike damaged pipeline infrastructure, prompting Péter Szijjártó, Hungarian Foreign Minister, to accuse Kyiv, Brussels, and the opposition of `blackmail` ahead of the April 12, 2026 election.
- Budapest released about 1.8 million barrels from strategic reserves by government decree, while MOL ordered tankers carrying Saudi, Norwegian, Kazakh, Libyan and Russian oil, with shipments expected at Omisalj terminal in early March and priority access until April 15, 2026.
- The European Commission convened an emergency meeting for next week, while the IMF's 8 billion euros programme could be endangered by Hungary's veto, risking Ukraine's finances.
- This rare derailment of EU legislation underlines the unanimity rule as Prime Minister Viktor Orbán blocks the loan despite opposition from Belgium, Italy, and France, escalating tensions ahead of the April 12, 2026 election where the Tisza Party leads by about 10 points.
78 Articles
78 Articles
The confirmation of a much needed EU aid package of more than 90 billion euros for Ukraine was considered a formality. Hungary has now announced a blockade in the dispute over the damaged Drushba oil pipeline.
Russian bombers off Alaska – USA raise fighter jets +++ Kallas strives for agreement on sanctions package against Russia until Monday +++ The newsblog.
Because Russian oil no longer flows through Ukraine to Hungary, Viktor Orbán wants to block a billion-dollar EU loan for Kyyiv. He accuses Ukraine of political "extortion".
Ukraine urgently needs money - and should receive it soon from the EU. Parliament had given the green light last week, but now Hungary is going to cross the border and attach its approval to new conditions.
In the dispute over missing oil supplies, Hungary has threatened to veto a billion-dollar EU loan for Ukraine.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 49% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
