Hungary vetoes new EU sanctions on Russia, demanding Ukraine reopens a key oil pipeline, causing frustration among European allies.

BRUSSELS: The European Union’s push for a new package of sanctions against Russia has been blocked by Hungary, which is demanding Ukraine reopens a critical oil pipeline.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed there would be no deal on Monday after Budapest vowed to veto the measures.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the Kremlin’s closest ally in the bloc, said his country would block the sanctions until the Druzhba pipeline is reopened.

Ukraine maintains the pipeline, which carries Russian oil to Slovakia and Hungary, was damaged by Russian strikes on January 27.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed astonishment at the Hungarian position but remained confident a solution would be found.

Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna argued there was no reason to block sanctions as the pipeline closure was Russia’s fault.

“If we are not able to put the sanctions on Russia, then Russia will be happy,” he said.

Poland’s top diplomat Radoslaw Sikorski described the Hungarian stance as “shocking”.

The dispute comes as the EU sought to impose a new round of economic punishment on Moscow to mark the fourth anniversary of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Beyond the sanctions, Budapest has also thrown a last-minute obstacle in the way of a EUR 90 billion EU loan that Ukraine desperately needs.

Hungary has repeatedly stalled EU measures on Ukraine throughout the four-year war, with Orban’s hardline stance emerging as he fights for political survival ahead of an April election.

The EU has already imposed 19 rounds of sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

The latest proposed package from Brussels includes a ban on shipping services for Russian crude oil, aimed at further curbing Moscow’s revenues.

 The Sun Malaysia