Hungary will veto the European Union's new package of sanctions against Russia, according to official statements from Budapest.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto made this announcement in a statement to RIA Novosti. He emphasized that the Hungarian government will not grant its consent to the adoption of further restrictive measures by the EU until the transit of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline is fully restored.
Szijjarto clarified that the energy security of Hungary remains a top priority, and the current disruptions in oil flow pose a significant challenge to the nation's economy. The Druzhba pipeline, one of the world's longest oil pipeline networks, serves as a critical artery for supplying Russian crude to several Central and Eastern European countries, including Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
The European Union has been progressively implementing sanctions against Russia following the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. However, such decisions require unanimous approval from all member states. Hungary has frequently utilized its veto power or sought exemptions, citing its heavy dependence on Russian energy imports and the potential economic fallout of a total embargo. This latest stance underscores the ongoing internal divisions within the EU regarding the intensity and scope of economic pressure exerted on Moscow.
