The European Union’s attempt to adopt its 20th sanctions package against Russia stalled on February 23, 2026, when Hungary objected to the measures at an EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels. The package, designed to tighten economic pressure on Moscow ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, could not secure the unanimous support required from all 27 member states.
EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas confirmed that there was no agreement on the sanctions, calling the outcome “a setback” and underscoring that the bloc had hoped to finalize the measures in time for the anniversary of the war. The stalled sanctions would have targeted aspects of Russia’s energy sector and its so-called “shadow fleet,” intended to limit Moscow’s ability to circumvent existing restrictions.
Pipeline Dispute and Political Tension
At the heart of Hungary’s opposition is a dispute over the Druzhba oil pipeline, a Soviet-era transit route that carries Russian crude through Ukrainian territory into Central Europe. Deliveries through the pipeline were disrupted on Jan. 27, after what Ukrainian officials said were Russian drone strikes damaging infrastructure. The outage has left Hungary and Slovakia, two EU and NATO members, still dependent on Russian oil, without this supply.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has repeatedly linked his government’s veto of sanctions and other EU decisions to the pipeline’s closure, demanding that Ukraine resume oil shipments before supporting measures important to Kyiv. In statements on social media and in Brussels, he said his country would not consent to the sanctions package unless oil transit via Druzhba is restored.
Broader Impacts on EU Aid and Regional Relations
Hungary’s resistance has broader implications for EU support for Ukraine. Alongside blocking sanctions, Budapest has signaled its intention to stall a planned €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine meant to aid Kyiv’s military and economic needs over the next two years. This loan, agreed by EU leaders in December 2025, also requires unanimity for certain aspects of its implementation, putting it at risk amid the dispute.
Slovakia has joined Hungary in its pressure campaign, with its Prime Minister, Robert Fico, warning of potential cuts to emergency power supplies to Ukraine if Russian oil does not flow through the Druzhba pipeline. The situation has drawn sharp criticism from Kyiv, which described the threats as “ultimatums and blackmail,” accusing both governments of aiding Russian interests.
Reactions Within the European Union
The deadlock has prompted strong reactions from several EU capitals. Figures such as German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul have urged Hungary to reconsider its stance, asserting that blocking the sanctions undermines collective European responses to Russian aggression. European Council President António Costa also emphasized that agreements reached by EU leaders must be respected to maintain trust and cooperation among member states.
Despite the immediate failure to adopt the sanctions, EU diplomats indicated that work on restrategizing or reviving elements of the package could continue, including alternative measures against Russia’s energy revenues or further individual sanctions. Meanwhile, discussions on coordinating energy security and the future of Russian fossil fuel dependence remain central to EU policy debates.
