Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced that Hungary will veto the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia until Ukraine resumes crude oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline.

Axar.az, citing Hungarian Conservative, reports that he described Ukraine’s halt of oil transit as “political blackmail” intended to raise fuel prices ahead of elections.

Hungary has released part of its strategic reserves and is securing maritime supplies.

This follows Hungary halting diesel exports to Ukraine and vetoing a €90 billion EU loan. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico supports Hungary’s stance, warning of potential cuts in electricity exports if Ukraine does not restore transit.

Szijjártó emphasized that Hungary’s dispute is with the Ukrainian government, not its citizens.