2 hours ago
Last Updated:February 22, 2026, 18:07 IST
Hungary will block the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia unless Ukraine reopens a key oil pipeline to Budapest, as stated by Viktor Orban and Peter Szijjarto.
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban (AP File)
Hungary on Sunday announced that it will block the European Union’s latest set of sanctions against Russia unless Ukraine re-opens a key oil pipeline that supplies to Budapest.
“No support for sanctions; the 20th sanctions package will be rejected," Prime Minister Viktor Orban posted on X.
“As long as the Ukrainians do not resume deliveries of oil to Hungary, we will not approve important decisions for them," Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto posted on Facebook.
On Friday, European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said: “Europe’s security is more uncertain than it has been in decades. Russia poses a major threat that is clear for everybody. The Middle East remains unstable, and China is a long-term challenge, and the transatlantic link is being redefined."
Also Read: Ukraine’s Partners Unhappy: Hungary, Slovakia Slam Zelenskyy For Blocking Russian Oil Flow
He was speaking at a joint press conference following the E5 Defense Ministerial Meeting in Krakow, Poland, with ministers from Italy, Germany, the UK, Poland, and France, alongside NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska.
Anadolu Agency quoted Kallas saying that while Russia’s military is stalled in Ukraine, its hybrid warfare, including cyberattacks, sabotage, and drone incursions, is intensifying in Europe.
“But Europe is also responding. We are sanctioning those responsible. We have tightened controls of the movements of Russian diplomats. We have stepped up actions against Russia’s shadow fleet, and we deployed hybrid response teams to partner countries at risk," she said.
Regarding sanctions, Kallas said: “Next Monday, we aim to adopt the 20th sanctions package against Russia. Sanctions are working. They are severely hurting Russia’s economy, and each new measure further limits its ability to wage the war."
“(Russian President Vladimir) Putin won’t end this war until the costs are higher than the benefits, and that is the point we must reach," she added.
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Budapest, Hungary
First Published:
February 22, 2026, 18:07 IST
News world Will Block EU's New Sanctions Against Russia Unless Ukraine Re-Opens Key Oil Pipeline: Hungary
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