The Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, sent an official letter to the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, confirming his readiness to block the allocation of 90 billion euros from the European Union budget reserve for Ukraine. The document is dated February 23, 2026.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Reasons for Budapest’s Change of Position
In the letter, Orban mentioned the decision made at the EU summit on December 18, when the leaders of the states agreed to provide Ukraine with financial assistance amounting to 90 billion euros from the budget reserve. At that time, Hungary, along with Slovakia and the Czech Republic, received exemptions and did not have to contribute to this program. However, the head of the Hungarian government has now stated that new circumstances have arisen that forced him to reconsider his position regarding the allocation of funds to Ukraine.
“Recent events have compelled me to reassess my position. Since mid-February, Ukraine has refused to resume the transportation of crude oil through the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary for political reasons and due to violations of its international obligations. This is an unprovoked act of hostility that undermines Hungary’s energy security,” Orban wrote to Michel.
Viktor Orban emphasized that Hungary will not agree to changes in the EU regulations necessary for utilizing the budget reserve until the transit of oil through the Druzhba pipeline is fully restored. Thus, the issue of providing loan assistance to Ukraine remains blocked.
Impact of the Block on Financing for Ukraine
Decisions regarding changes to the EU’s multiannual financial framework require unanimous approval from all member states. Without Hungary’s consent, it is impossible to make a decision to open a credit line for Ukraine. The formal approval of the aid was planned to take place on February 24 during a special session of the European Parliament, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the full-scale invasion by Russia.
Ukraine hopes to receive the first tranche from this credit line as early as spring 2026. The Ukrainian government and the European Commission warn that if there are delays in payments, the situation regarding the financing of state expenditures could become extremely critical.