EU leaders have been unable to persuade Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to lift his opposition to a critical €90bn (£78bn) loan intended to provide military aid and economic support to Ukraine, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to Guardian. Orbán has withheld his approval for the funding, citing a conflict with Kyiv over a damaged section of the Druzhba oil pipeline, despite the agreement reached by the EU in December 2025.
Arriving at an EU summit, Kaja Kallas, the bloc’s foreign policy chief, expressed skepticism that a resolution could be reached before Hungary’s elections on 12 April, where Orbán faces significant political challenges. The Hungarian leader, alongside Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, declined to endorse a European Council statement supporting the release of funds, signaling continued resistance to the €90bn loan plan.
The original deal, approved by 24 EU member states, was designed to provide urgent financial assistance for Ukraine’s military and government operations. Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic agreed to the loan under the condition that they would not have to contribute financially. This arrangement was adopted after alternative plans, such as utilizing frozen Russian assets, failed to secure unanimous EU support.
Orbán’s refusal to honor the loan agreement has provoked frustration among EU officials, who emphasize that Kyiv requires immediate access to the funds, expected to be disbursed from early April. Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo criticized Orbán, suggesting he was leveraging the Ukraine issue in his election campaign. Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever also condemned Orbán’s actions, calling it unacceptable to retract support after a joint decision had been made.
European Council President António Costa described Hungary’s conduct as “unacceptable,” echoing the sentiment expressed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who made a pointed comment regarding Orbán’s stance, prompting rare criticism from EU representatives.
Orbán maintained his position at the summit, insisting that Hungary would not support measures favoring Ukraine until it regained access to oil flowing through the Druzhba pipeline, which he claims Kyiv has blocked. The pipeline, carrying Russian crude to Hungary and Slovakia, was damaged in a Russian air attack, and Ukraine has committed to EU technical and financial support to repair it.
Meanwhile, Hungary and Slovakia have also hindered the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia, intended to coincide with the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. EU statements, endorsed by 25 member states, call for expedited adoption of these sanctions and continued pressure on Moscow.
Zelenskyy addressed EU leaders via video link, emphasizing Ukraine’s efforts to repair the pipeline and urging the bloc to uphold its prior commitments. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, attending his first EU summit, reiterated that all member states should respect collective decisions, highlighting the importance of supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
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