The European Union is negotiating with Hungary and Slovakia to unblock the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas noted that diplomatic work continues despite the difficulties.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the cessation of emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine. This step will be reversed if Ukraine resumes oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that the EU supports Ukraine, not its own member states. Hungary threatens to block new sanctions against Russia and 90 billion euros in financial aid to Ukraine.
Budapest justified its decision to block the €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine. This caused disappointment among EU foreign ministers.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Hungary's and Slovakia's ultimatums should be addressed to the Kremlin. He emphasized the need to increase pressure on Russia and the importance of investing in Ukraine's defense industry.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko reported stable gas and electricity imports. The government is mobilizing all resources and providing targeted assistance to the population.
Hungary threatens to block the EU's support package for Ukraine, including a €90 billion loan, due to disputes over energy supplies. This could leave Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa without EU solutions for Ukraine during their visit on the anniversary of the war.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas announced discussions on the 20th sanctions package, but no progress is expected. Hungary is blocking it due to oil transit.
Hungary will block the 20th EU sanctions package against Russia, demanding that Ukraine restore oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline.
The Slovak opposition party SaS criticizes Prime Minister Robert Fico's intentions to stop electricity exports to Ukraine. The party states that such actions are economically senseless and threaten Slovakia's international reputation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine condemned the ultimatums from Hungary and Slovakia regarding energy supply, calling them playing along with the aggressor. Ukraine is considering activating the "Early Warning Mechanism" due to threats from Budapest and Bratislava.
Hungary has confirmed blocking a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, demanding the restoration of oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline. Slovakia also refused to participate in a military loan for Ukraine, accusing it of politically delaying the resumption of supplies.
Robert Fico threatens to stop emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine. This will happen if Ukraine does not resume oil transit to Slovakia.
The European Commission has been urged to intervene in the conflict between Ukraine and Hungary over a blocked Russian oil pipeline, which is hindering the provision of an emergency EU loan to Ukraine. Hungary blocked the 90 billion euro loan after the Druzhba oil pipeline was damaged by Russian attacks.
Slovakia unveiled its first CV9035SVK MkIV infantry fighting vehicle, becoming the eighth European operator country, including Ukraine. Bratislava ordered 152 units of this equipment for 1.68 billion euros.
MOL Group calls on Croatia to allow the transit of Russian oil, as Hungary and Slovakia have exemptions from EU sanctions. Supply problems have escalated after the Druzhba oil pipeline was shut down through Ukrainian territory.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban published a campaign video before the elections, featuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Orban made accusations.
Trump emphasized that he was aware of the mixed reactions in Europe to his stance, but this did not change his assessment of the Hungarian prime minister's performance.
European Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen stated that Brussels is not pressuring Ukraine regarding the timeline for restoring the Druzhba oil pipeline. Oil from Russia is supplied to Hungary and Slovakia via this pipeline.
Hungary is considering halting electricity and gas exports to Ukraine if Kyiv does not resume the supply of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline. Hungary and Slovakia accuse Ukraine of delaying the resumption of supplies for political reasons.
MFA spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhyi commented on Budapest's provocations regarding the shutdown of the "Druzhba" oil pipeline.
Expert Serhiy Kuyun states that the cessation of diesel fuel supplies from Hungary and Slovakia is not critical for Ukraine. These supplies account for up to 10% of the market and can be easily replaced.
The Slovak company Slovnaft is temporarily suspending the export of diesel fuel to Ukraine and other types of exports. This decision was made after Hungary's announcement and due to the interruption of the Druzhba oil pipeline's operation in Ukraine.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced the cessation of diesel fuel supplies to Ukraine. This decision followed the suspension of oil transportation through the Druzhba pipeline.
Hungary and Slovakia have approached the European Commission regarding the possibility of purchasing Russian oil via sea routes. The Hungarian company MOL has already ordered the first batches, which are expected to arrive in early March.
The Slovak government has declared an emergency in the oil sector. This happened due to damage to the Druzhba oil pipeline in Ukraine, which led to the cessation of oil supplies.
The European Commission has confirmed contacts with Ukraine regarding the repair of the "Druzhba" oil pipeline, which is hindering the supply of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. These countries have 90-day reserve stocks, which eliminates short-term risks to supply security.
Slovakia is modernizing Cold War-era nuclear shelters, despite Prime Minister Fico's statements that there is no threat from Russia. An audit revealed the critical condition of most structures, and demand for private bunkers is growing.
Slovakia plans to acquire four more F-16V Block 70/72 Viper fighter jets to strengthen its air defense. This decision is related to the transfer of its entire fleet of MiG-29s to Ukraine.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković rejected Hungary's and Slovakia's request for Russian oil transit, accusing Budapest of manipulation. Hungary called Croatia an "unreliable transit country" seeking a monopoly.
