Hungary threatens to block EU loan to Ukraine unless Russian oil shipments resume

Fox News - WorldEN 2 min read 100% complete by Ashley CarnahanFebruary 22, 2026 at 02:15 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Hungary is threatening to veto a 90 billion-euro EU loan to Ukraine unless Russian oil shipments via the Druzhba pipeline resume. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó claims Ukraine is intentionally halting oil transit to disrupt Hungary's fuel supply, accusing Kyiv of blackmail and violating EU agreements. The EU loan package, intended to support Ukraine's budgetary and military needs through 2027, requires unanimous approval. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has rejected Hungary's demands as "ultimatums and blackmail," asserting that such actions threaten regional energy security. The Druzhba pipeline remains a key route for Russian oil to Central Europe, despite broader EU efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Slovakia 40% Kyiv 50% European Commission ×370% Péter Szijjártó ×270% Druzhba pipeline ×380% Russia ×585% Hungary ×690% European Union ×790% Ukraine ×895%

Keywords

eu loan to ukraine 100% hungary 90% oil shipments 80% druzhba pipeline 70% energy security 60% russian oil 60% military assistance 50% european union 50% budget support 40% ukraine-russia war 40%