EU Leaders Accuse Orbán of Betrayal Over €90 Billion Ukraine Loan Blockade.

Brussels Summit: Stalemate Over Ukraine Loan

According to UATV: During a summit in Brussels, European Union leaders pressed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to lift his hold on a major loan package for Ukraine. Orbán refused, demanding the resumption of Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline before approving any aid. Fellow EU leaders sharply condemned his stance, accusing him of breaking a prior commitment to greenlight the €90 billion credit for Ukraine.

Orbán Under Fire and Escalating Tensions

Top officials voiced strong criticism. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described Orbán’s actions as alarming. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz labeled them 'a serious breach of loyalty to the EU.' Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas noted, 'Our treaties include a clause on sincere cooperation. This clearly does not meet that standard.'

Meanwhile, a Russian drone strike in Ukraine ignited a storage tank, burning 25,000 cubic meters of oil. In a separate incident, Hungary detained Ukrainian cash couriers transporting millions of dollars and gold, raising further questions about Budapest’s posture toward Kyiv amid Russia’s ongoing military aggression.

Ukrainian representative Heorhiy Tykhyi emphasized: 'We have not forgotten the hostage-taking of seven Ukrainian citizens.'

Hungary’s elections are scheduled for April 12, and the current political climate may influence Orbán’s future decisions regarding cooperation with the EU and Ukraine. Experts suggest such incidents could shift public perception of the campaign from rational socio-economic debates to emotional reactions, as noted by The Washington Post.

Hungary’s stance on Ukraine—particularly in light of Russia’s military aggression—is causing unease among EU nations that expect solidarity in supporting Kyiv. The upcoming Hungarian elections could become a pivotal factor, as domestic political pressures might force Orbán to reconsider his positions to align with voter sentiment. As a result, the standoff over the Ukraine loan and EU-Hungary relations remains tense and warrants close monitoring of further developments.