Hungary blocks EU's 20th Russia sanctions package over oil dispute
Feb 23rd 2026
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc failed to adopt its 20th sanctions package on Feb 23 after Hungary vetoed measures aimed at targeting Russia's energy, financial, and trade sectors ahead of the invasion's fourth anniversary.
- Hungary vetoed the 20th sanctions package at the Feb 23 Foreign Affairs Council, Kaja Kallas said.
- Budapest linked the veto to halted deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline after Russian strikes and accused Ukraine of delaying repairs.
- The package included a ban on maritime services for Russian crude and additional sanctions on vessels, banks, exports, and imports.
- EU sanctions need unanimous approval, so Hungary's veto prevented adoption and also blocked a planned 90 billion euro EU loan to Kyiv.
- Member states agreed to extend existing sanctions against Russia until Feb 24, 2027 despite the failed vote.
- The European Commission presented the proposal on Feb 6 and said discussions will continue to seek agreement.