The foreign ministers of Germany and Belgium have sharply criticized Hungary for its refusal to support the provision of a large European Union loan to Ukraine, as well as for blocking the latest, twentieth package of sanctions against the Russian Federation.
This is reported by Kyiv24
European diplomats’ stance on Hungary’s actions
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated in Berlin that he is shocked by the actions of the Hungarian side. He emphasized that Budapest’s veto on sanctions against Russia contradicts Hungary’s historical struggle for freedom. Furthermore, Wadephul stressed that the loan assistance to Ukraine is in no way related to the damaged pipeline, which he believes does indeed require repairs.
“All I can say is that I am still shocked by Hungary’s behavior,” said German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Berlin, adding that Hungary’s decision to veto the sanctions “betrays its own struggle for freedom.” Wadephul also emphasized that the loan agreement “has no connection to the damaged pipeline, which certainly needs repairs.”
Belgium warns of dwindling patience in the EU
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot noted that the patience of EU countries regarding Hungary’s actions is quickly running out. He emphasized that holding Ukraine and its people “hostage” by blocking decisions during wartime is, in his opinion, unacceptable and crosses a “red line” for the entire European community.
It is known that the European Union, which consists of 27 countries, insists on implementing a new package of sanctions against Moscow due to the ongoing war against Ukraine. At the same time, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is blocking both new sanctions and the allocation of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, demanding that Kyiv restore the operation of the strategic pipeline. According to the Ukrainian side, the “Druzhba” pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Slovakia and Hungary, was damaged due to Russian missile strikes at the end of January.