February 24, 2026
Hungary has blocked new European Union sanctions on Russia and a EUR 90 billion loan for Ukraine over disputes regarding oil supplies. The dispute involves the Druzhba pipeline, which passes through Ukraine and supplies Russian crude oil to Hungary and Slovakia. The pipeline was damaged in January due to a suspected Russian drone attack, but Hungary and Slovakia have blamed Ukraine for the oil supply disruptions. Slovakia has also blocked emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine over the same dispute. The situation is a significant escalation of tensions between the three neighbouring countries. Ukraine has stated that emergency repairs of the pipeline are ongoing but are hindered due to Russian attacks.