Timeline
February 23, 2026 — February 27, 2026
World
Timeline: How Hungary's Veto Crisis Over the Druzhba Pipeline Paralyzed EU Support for Ukraine
In late February 2026, Hungary blocked a crucial €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine and the 20th sanctions package against Russia, sparking a major diplomatic crisis. The standoff centered on the Druzhba oil pipeline, damaged in what Kyiv called a Russian attack, cutting off oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia. This timeline traces how a regional energy dispute escalated into a bloc-wide crisis that tested EU unity on the eve of the war's fourth anniversary.
13 events · 4 days · 30 source articles
Sat, Jan 31, 2026
Major
Russian drone attack damages Druzhba pipeline
The Soviet-era Druzhba oil pipeline, which transports Russian crude to Hungary and Slovakia through Ukraine, is damaged in what Kyiv attributes to a Russian drone strike. This critical infrastructure damage sets the stage for a month-long diplomatic crisis, as oil flows to Central Europe are halted.
Sat, Feb 21, 2026
Moderate
Slovakia issues ultimatum to Ukraine over pipeline repairs
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico threatens to cut emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine if oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline are not restored within two days. This marks the beginning of coordinated pressure from Hungary and Slovakia against Kyiv over the energy dispute.
Sun, Feb 22, 2026
Major
Hungary announces double veto on Ukraine support
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó declares Hungary will block both the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia and the €90 billion loan to Ukraine until oil transit through Druzhba resumes. This announcement comes on the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion, stunning EU partners who had finalized the loan agreement in December.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Major
EU foreign ministers clash with Hungary in Brussels
At a Foreign Affairs Council meeting, EU ministers express fury at Hungary's vetoes, with High Representative Kaja Kallas stating the blockage violates the EU's principle of sincere cooperation. Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó engages in heated exchanges with Ukrainian journalists, with confrontations becoming personal. Budapest accuses Ukraine of political blackmail ahead of Hungary's April elections.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Major
Prime Minister Orbán sends letter justifying veto
Viktor Orbán writes to European Council President António Costa, calling Ukraine's handling of the pipeline an 'unprovoked act of hostility' and defending his decision to block the €90 billion loan despite agreeing to it in December. The loan had been in its final legislative stage with disbursements expected in April.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Moderate
Slovakia cuts emergency electricity to Ukraine
Following through on its ultimatum, Slovakia halts emergency power supplies to Ukraine after Kyiv fails to restore oil transit. Prime Minister Fico announces Ukraine will no longer receive assistance to stabilize its energy network, escalating the standoff between the countries.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Moderate
EU Council President Costa warns Orbán of treaty violations
António Costa sends a letter to Orbán warning that Hungary must lift its blockade and abide by December commitments. EU leaders accuse Hungary of breaching the bloc's principle of sincere cooperation, with multiple officials expressing outrage at Budapest's actions.
Wed, Feb 25, 2026
Moderate
Croatia offers alternative pipeline route
The European Commission identifies Croatia's Adria (JANAF) pipeline as the most viable alternative to supply oil to Hungary and Slovakia while Druzhba repairs continue. The Commission also asks Ukraine to accelerate repair works to defuse the crisis. JANAF operators confirm readiness to meet the full annual needs of Central European refineries.
Thu, Feb 26, 2026
Major
Orbán proposes fact-finding mission to pipeline site
In a new letter to Costa, Orbán proposes deploying a fact-finding mission with Hungarian and Slovak experts to assess the Druzhba pipeline damage, acknowledging the 'political difficulties' caused by his veto. He states Hungary will accept the mission's findings, offering a potential path out of the crisis.
Thu, Feb 26, 2026
Moderate
Hungary links sanctions veto to separate €16 billion defense loan
EU diplomats reveal Hungary is also blocking the 20th Russia sanctions package to pressure the European Commission into approving Budapest's application for a €16 billion defense loan under a separate EU program, adding another layer to the standoff.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Moderate
Orbán and Fico coordinate joint response against Ukraine
Viktor Orbán announces consultations with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on a joint response as the Druzhba dispute enters its second month. Orbán sharply attacks Ukrainian President Zelenskyy as a 'liar' and accuses Ukraine of 'state terrorism,' claiming Kyiv ignored offers to send inspection experts.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Moderate
IMF approves $8.1 billion loan as EU support remains blocked
The International Monetary Fund approves an $8.1 billion loan to Ukraine with $1.5 billion disbursed immediately, providing temporary relief as Kyiv's coffers approach empty in April. However, this represents only a fraction of the €90 billion EU loan still blocked by Hungary.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Moderate
Brussels welcomes inspection mission proposal
The European Commission welcomes the Hungarian-Slovak fact-finding mission proposal as a positive step and begins consultations with Ukrainian authorities. Officials acknowledge this could provide a path to lift the veto, though the plan remains in early stages and the Commission has no track record of participating in such missions.
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