• Hungary plans to block the EU's new sanctions package against Russia.
• The block is contingent on the resumption of Russian oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline.
• Ukraine accuses Hungary and Slovakia of blackmail regarding energy supplies.
• Hungary's Foreign Minister emphasized stopping decisions "important" to Ukraine.
• Prime Minister Orbán maintains close ties with Russia despite EU sanctions.

Hungary has announced it will block the European Union's upcoming package of sanctions against Russia, asserting that this action is contingent upon the resumption of Russian oil deliveries to Hungary. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó indicated that Hungary's stance is a reaction to Ukraine's suspension of these oil shipments via the Druzhba pipeline, disrupted since January 27 due to reported Ukrainian drone strikes damaging the pipeline infrastructure, thus intensifying tensions between Hungary and Ukraine, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

The EU plans to adopt this sanctions package to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, yet unanimous approval from all 27 member states is required. Szijjártó asserted, "We will not consent to the adoption of the 20th package of sanctions," highlighting that Hungary would not support decisions crucial to Ukraine until the oil flow resumes, which underscores a significant divergence from the EU's generally pro-U.krainian stance, according to Los Angeles Times and Reuters.

The situation has escalated, with Hungary and Slovakia announcing a halt in diesel shipments to Ukraine, and threats of cutting off emergency electricity supplies if oil deliveries are not restored imminently. These actions have drawn prompt condemnation from Ukraine, which described Hungary's tactics as “ultimatums and blackmail,” accusing them of exacerbating the humanitarian crisis caused by ongoing Russian assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during extreme winter conditions, according to Los Angeles Times and South China Morning Post.

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has maintained a close relationship with the Kremlin, arguing that dependence on Russian fossil fuels is essential for Hungary's economic stability. He has consistently opposed sanctions meant to penalize Moscow, claiming that energy sourced from alternative suppliers would lead to an economic collapse, a view that has faced criticism from various experts. His government's actions illustrate a challenging dynamic within the EU regarding collective foreign policy towards Russia, as they attempt to balance national interests with broader European solidarity, according to Reuters and Los Angeles Times.