Orban Blocks €90 Billion for Ukraine Over Oil Pipeline Demands.

EU Loan Deal for Ukraine Fails

According to UATV: European leaders failed to reach an agreement on a €90 billion loan package for Ukraine after Hungary and Slovakia blocked the decision. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is demanding the resumption of Russian oil transit through the 'Druzhba' pipeline and continues to stall aid to Kyiv. During the EU summit, Orban faced harsh criticism from multiple leaders, despite having approved the loan back in December 2022.

The Oil Transit Standoff

The situation escalated after Ukraine halted Russian oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline in January 2026, which at the time still held 25,000 cubic meters of oil. Orban stated bluntly:

“We are waiting for oil. Hungary’s position is very simple: we are ready to support Ukraine once we receive our oil, which they are blocking.” – Viktor Orban

This has made oil transit a key issue in the broader relationship between the European Union and Ukraine.

Hungary's upcoming elections, scheduled for April 12, could shift the political dynamics. Experts warn that using Ukraine as a campaign tool is a questionable move, as noted by Petteri Orpo. Friedrich Merz described Orban’s actions as 'an act of unprecedented disloyalty within the European Union.' French President Emmanuel Macron also weighed in, stating:

“Plan A must be executed; the credibility of the European Union depends on it.” – Emmanuel Macron

As a result, the standoff with Hungary and Slovakia remains unresolved, potentially threatening EU financial support for Ukraine. Orban’s stance—rooted in demands over Russian oil transit—highlights the complex political landscape Ukraine must navigate to secure international backing. Future negotiations will be critical, as energy dependencies and the political interests of individual EU member states continue to shape the broader geopolitical environment.