Viktor Orbán likes to play the role of blocker in the EU.Image: keystone
In the dispute over oil deliveries from Russia, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is causing a scandal on the day of remembrance of the Russian attack on Ukraine: his veto could have far-reaching consequences.
02/25/2026, 04:0302/25/2026, 04:03
Remo Hess, Brussels / ch media
They actually wanted to arrive with a gift. But instead of releasing a 90 billion euro loan and passing the 20th sanctions package in time for the anniversary of the Russian attack on Ukraine, the Europeans were left empty-handed in Kiev on Tuesday. “The EU heads of state and government have given their word. And this cannot be broken,” said EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen apologetically in the direction of Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky. And she promised:
“We will deliver, one way or another.”
Ursula von der Leyen assured Selenski of her support despite the recent disappointment.Image: keystone
No more Russian oil for Hungary and Slovakia
What happened? Over the weekend, Viktor Orbán, the Hungarian head of government, blocked both measures almost at the last minute. He was seconded by his Slovakian counterpart Robert Fico. The reason is a bitter dispute over the Druzhba pipeline, which supplies the two countries with Russian oil via Ukraine.
You have to know that even four years after the start of the war, Hungary and Slovakia still get almost all of their oil from Russia. You can rely on an exception to the EU embargo, which is justified by the geographical location of the two countries.
According to Ukrainian information, the pipeline was deliberately damaged in a Russian drone attack at the end of January. Hungary and Slovakia accuse the Ukrainians of delaying repairs or withholding oil deliveries for political reasons. What is really true is difficult to estimate at the moment.
The fact is: On January 27th there was actually a Russian attack in the west of the country near the town of Brody. Part of the pipeline was damaged, which led to the interruption of oil deliveries.
Last week the situation became acutely acute as the two countries said they were in danger of running out of oil. Orbán then not only announced his blockade. Instead, it stopped supplying Ukraine with diesel, on which the country is currently particularly dependent due to Russia’s ongoing attacks on the energy infrastructure.
At the same time, Slovak Prime Minister Fico threatened to cut the emergency power supply lines to Ukraine. According to Ukrainian information, this has not yet happened. According to experts, a physical interruption to the flow of electricity would endanger the stability of the Slovakian grid.
Nevertheless, Kiev is now talking about “blackmail” and has tightened its tone towards Hungary and Slovakia. Zelensky even put Orbán in line with those who are actively involved in the war against his country: “If he blocks the 90 billion euros, then he will be on the same level as us [Wladimir] Putin and [Alexander] Lukashenko,” said Zelensky in an interview.
Ukraine is absolutely dependent on the billion-dollar loan from the EU. Kyiv is already in danger of running out of money in April. In December, after a long struggle, the EU heads of state and government were able to agree on a compromise. The fact that Orbán, who has made an exception for himself and does not have to contribute any money himself, is now blocking the loan anyway is a new quality of the previous border crossings. On Tuesday in Kiev, EU Council President António Costa accused him of no longer adhering to the principle of “loyal cooperation” enshrined in the EU treaties and announced consequences.
Orbán is fighting with all means to retain power
It is uncertain how much political calculation is behind Orbán’s blockade. Hungary will hold elections on April 12 and its Fidesz party is well behind the opposition in the polls. The election campaign is in full swing and is highly polarizing.
In addition to “Brussels”, the government has chosen opposition to Ukraine as its election campaign motif. Orbán recently even officially called Ukraine “the enemy of Hungary.” In return, he accuses the EU of not only warmongering but also interfering and is running an aggressive poster campaign against Ursula von der Leyen. At the same time, he has US Secretary of State Marco Rubio flown in for an election campaign appearance and has secured support from US President Donald Trump.
Orbán can count on the support of the Trump administration.Image: keystone
It is questionable whether the Prime Minister, who has been in power for 16 years, can turn the tide again. 23 percent of Hungarians believe this According to a survey, Orbán’s propagandaaccording to which an election victory by the opposition would plunge the country into war. The same survey now sees Fidesz 16 points behind challenger Peter Magyar and his newly founded Tisza party. (aargauerzeitung.ch)