NaijaBuzz

World • 7h ago

Hungary threatens further anti-Ukraine measures despite European leaders' rebuke

Hungary threatens further anti-Ukraine measures despite European leaders' rebuke
**Hungary Threatens Further Anti-Ukraine Measures Amid EU Rebuke** Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has raised the prospect of further actions against Ukraine, despite European leaders' rebuke, to force the resumption of Russian oil deliveries that have been stalled to Hungary and Slovakia since January. Speaking in Brussels, Orbán stated that his government has "a lot of cards in our hands" beyond blocking a €90 billion loan to Kyiv, which he again vetoed on Thursday. Orbán emphasized that Hungary has other tools at its disposal, including the control of 40% of Ukraine's electricity supply, which has not yet been affected. He also hinted that Hungary would not support new EU sanctions against Russia, requiring unanimity among member states. The Druzhba pipeline, which transports oil from Russia to Hungary and Slovakia, was damaged in a suspected drone strike, leading to the interruption of oil shipments. The situation has sparked outrage among EU leaders, who have accused Orbán of holding up critical aid to Ukraine and undermining EU decision-making. On Thursday, European Council President António Costa condemned Orbán's behavior, stating that "nobody can blackmail the European Council" and that the loan will be paid out as agreed last December. Costa's comments reflect months of frustration over Orbán's actions, which have been seen as an attempt to win an election at home. In an effort to persuade Orbán to lift his block on the loan, EU officials offered Ukraine technical support and funding to repair the pipeline, an offer that Kyiv accepted. However, Orbán has refused to back down, threatening to veto the EU's next seven-year budget if it includes financial aid for Ukraine. He stated, "We have a lot of cards in our hands, so I don’t think it’s worth picking a fight with Hungary." The situation remains tense, with Ukraine's President Zelenskyy dismissing Orbán's allegations that Ukraine was responsible for damaging the Druzhba pipeline as unfounded. Zelenskyy has also publicly criticized Orbán, accusing him of using Ukraine's situation for electoral gain. As the standoff continues, it remains unclear how the situation will be resolved, with EU leaders and Orbán's government at odds over the future of Ukraine's financial aid and the resumption of Russian oil deliveries.
Source: Original Article • AI-enhanced version

Share this story

WhatsApp Telegram