Hungary blocks a major European Union loan and new sanctions against Russia

Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, used its veto power to block a 90-billion-euro European Union loan package for Ukraine. Orbán also blocked a new, 20th package of EU sanctions against Russia.

Orbán linked the vetoes to a dispute over the Druzhba oil pipeline, claiming Ukraine has not repaired damage to the section that supplies Hungary. In response, EU leaders accused Hungary of undermining support for Ukraine and are reportedly considering ways to work around the veto. Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, said the loan would happen 'one way or the other'.

The blockages occurred just before the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The EU failed to approve the new Russia sanctions package and the financial aid, leaving the measures in limbo as discussions continue.