Ukraine War: EU Support Stalled as Hungary Threatens Veto on Aid & Sanctions

BRUSSELS (AP) — Germany, France and other European countries reaffirmed their support for Ukraine on Monday as diplomats worked to finalize new sanctions on Russia and a substantial financial aid package for Kyiv, just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The effort is complicated by resistance from Hungary, which has threatened to veto both measures.

The conflict, which began on Feb. 24, 2022, has resulted in an estimated 1.8 million Russian and Ukrainian soldiers dead, wounded or missing, according to estimates.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine, calling the past four years “four monstrous years of war” and urging European partners not to waver in their commitment. “We are standing at a crossroads that could decide on the well-being of our whole continent,” he said at a pro-Ukrainian event in Berlin.

Merz acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the conflict’s duration, stating, “No one can say today whether the weapons will fall silent in Ukraine in six weeks, in six months or even later,” but affirmed that efforts are focused on achieving peace as quickly as possible.

In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his country’s “unwavering” support for Ukraine during a meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, a strong advocate for increased pressure on Russia.

EU Diplomats Confront Hungarian Objections

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas indicated that reaching an agreement on the 20th package of sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow fleet and energy revenues was unlikely at Monday’s meeting of EU foreign ministers. This is largely due to Hungary’s threat to block the sanctions, as well as a proposed €90 billion ($106 billion) loan for Ukraine.

Hungary, described as the most pro-Russian member of the EU, has demanded a resolution to the disruption of Russian oil deliveries before it will lift its veto. Shipments to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline have been halted since Jan. 27, following damage to pipeline equipment that Ukrainian officials attribute to Russian drone strikes.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has accused Ukraine of deliberately disrupting oil supplies and seeking to undermine his government, referring to the situation as a “Ukrainian oil blockade.” Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó maintained that Ukraine is responsible for restoring oil flows, calling Kyiv’s actions “hostile.”

Nearly all European nations have significantly reduced or eliminated their reliance on Russian energy imports since the start of the war. However, Hungary and Slovakia have continued to receive Russian oil and gas, benefiting from a temporary exemption in EU policy prohibiting such imports.

Increasing Pressure on Russia

Some European leaders believe that increasing the economic cost to Russia is the most effective path toward a peaceful resolution. Merz argued that “This war will only end when Russia no longer sees any sense in continuing it… We must dry up Moscow’s war financing.”

Stubb echoed this sentiment, stating that Russia’s war in Ukraine is a “strategic failure” and urging allies to intensify pressure on President Vladimir Putin.

The EU has already provided Ukraine with €194.9 billion ($229.8 billion) in financial assistance and has implemented measures to restrict Russia’s energy exports.

Hungary’s Election Concerns

With a national election approaching in less than two months, Orbán has launched a campaign critical of Ukraine and accused the opposition Tisza party of aligning with the EU and Ukraine to challenge his leadership.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski suggested that Hungary’s veto threat may be motivated by domestic political concerns, specifically Orbán’s efforts to remain in power. He expressed shock at the “climate of hostility” fostered by Orbán’s government toward Ukraine, the victim of aggression.

Hungary had previously agreed to the EU loan in December, raising questions about the basis for its current opposition. Margus Tsahkna, the foreign minister of Estonia, emphasized the urgency of releasing the funds, stating, “We must release that… Ukraine needs this money heavily.”