EU Russia Sanctions Package Blocked by Hungary as Ukraine War Anniversary Nears

Published: 23 February 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Efforts by the European Union to adopt a fresh round of sanctions against Russia have stalled after Hungary vetoed the proposed package, heightening diplomatic tensions just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine. The pause reflects deepening divisions within the bloc over how best to respond to Russia’s ongoing assault and support Ukraine amid military and energy pressures.

The sanctions package — the EU’s 20th since the war began — was intended to tighten economic pressure on Moscow and include new measures targeting sectors such as energy, finance and transport. But Hungary’s foreign minister, Péter Szijjártó, confirmed Budapest will block the measures unless Ukraine restarts crude oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline, a key route used by Hungary and Slovakia that has been offline since late January following Russian strikes on infrastructure.

The stalemate means EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday could leave the sanctions package unresolved. European foreign policy officials acknowledged on Monday evening that “there is not going to be progress” on adopting the measures.

Hungary’s move also affects a separate €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, which Budapest has tied to the same energy dispute and threatened to block until the Druzhba pipeline resumes operations. Ukraine and its supporters in the EU have condemned the stance as “ultimatums and blackmail,” saying it undermines unity and weakens the bloc’s collective response to Russia’s continued aggression.

Berlin and other EU capitals have criticised Hungary’s approach. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged Budapest to reconsider, arguing that holding up sanctions contradicts Europe’s broader historical fight for freedom and weakens collective pressure on Moscow.

The new sanctions package was hoped to be finalised in time for 24 February, marking four years since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. But the diplomatic impasse underscores the fractured state of EU policy on energy and sanctions, particularly among member states still reliant on Russian fossil fuels.

The lack of consensus comes as Ukraine continues to face Russian military offensives, including missile and drone attacks on energy infrastructure, and as Kyiv’s leaders call for stronger international pressure on Moscow ahead of the anniversary.

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