Timeline
February 19, 2026 — February 23, 2026
World
Timeline: How Hungary's Veto Paralyzed EU Support for Ukraine Over a Russian Oil Pipeline Dispute
In February 2026, a Russian attack on the Druzhba oil pipeline triggered a major crisis between Hungary, Slovakia, and Ukraine that escalated into Hungary blocking €90 billion in EU loans and new Russia sanctions. The dispute unfolded over five days, culminating in Slovakia cutting electricity to Ukraine and the EU accusing Hungary of disloyalty on the eve of the war's fourth anniversary.
12 events · 4 days · 29 source articles
Tue, Jan 27, 2026
Major
Russian drone attack damages Druzhba oil pipeline in Ukraine
A Russian drone strike hits the Druzhba pipeline infrastructure in Ukrainian territory, halting the flow of Russian crude oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Ukraine's pipeline operator confirms the damage and says repair works are ongoing. This Soviet-era pipeline is critical for supplying Russian oil to the only remaining EU refineries that process it.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Moderate
European Commission calls emergency meeting over energy standoff
The European Commission convenes an emergency Oil Coordination Group meeting after Hungary and Slovakia halt diesel supplies to Ukraine. Budapest and Bratislava accuse Kyiv of deliberately delaying pipeline repairs for political reasons. The meeting is scheduled for the following Wednesday with participation from Hungary, Slovakia, and Croatia.
Fri, Feb 20, 2026
Major
Hungary threatens to block €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announces Hungary will block the €90 billion emergency loan for Ukraine until oil transit resumes through the Druzhba pipeline. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, trailing in polls ahead of April elections, accuses Ukraine of 'blackmail' and claims Kyiv is coordinating with Brussels and opposition forces to disrupt energy supplies for political purposes.
Sat, Feb 21, 2026
Major
Slovakia's Fico issues ultimatum to cut Ukraine's electricity
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico threatens to halt emergency electricity exports to Ukraine unless oil flows resume by Monday. He accuses Ukrainian President Zelenskyy of treating Slovakia as a 'hostile country' and claims Kyiv's actions have cost Slovakia €500 million annually. Almost half of Ukraine's electricity imports come from Hungary and Slovakia.
Sun, Feb 22, 2026
Major
Hungary expands blockade to include Russia sanctions package
Hungary announces it will block every EU decision concerning Ukraine, including the 20th package of sanctions against Russia scheduled for approval on Monday. Foreign Minister Szijjártó declares Hungary will not consent to the sanctions package until Ukraine resumes oil deliveries. The EU had hoped to approve the sanctions to coincide with the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Moderate
Lithuania calls for EU voting reform to stop Hungarian vetoes
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys calls for an overhaul of the EU's voting system to prevent Hungary from abusing its veto power. As EU foreign ministers gather in Brussels for a crucial meeting, Budapest confirms it is blocking both the €90 billion loan and the sanctions package. European leaders express frustration with Hungary's stonewalling tactics.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Major
Orbán doubles down, sends letter to EU Council President
Viktor Orbán sends a letter to European Council President António Costa blaming 'an unprovoked act of hostility' from Ukraine to justify blocking the €90 billion loan. Despite having agreed to the loan in December with an opt-out for Hungary, Orbán now refuses to sign off until Kyiv resumes Russian oil flows through the damaged pipeline.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Moderate
Hungarian minister clashes with Ukrainian journalists in Brussels
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó engages in a heated exchange with Ukrainian journalists in Brussels after doubling down on his veto. When asked 'Why do you hate Ukraine?', the confrontation descends into personal accusations. Hungary maintains its position that Ukraine is deliberately obstructing oil transit, while Ukraine points to Russian strikes for the damage.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Major
Slovakia halts emergency electricity to Ukraine as deadline expires
Slovakia stops emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine after its Monday ultimatum expires without oil flows resuming. Prime Minister Fico announces Ukraine will no longer receive assistance to stabilize its energy network. He also reveals that Slovakia's ambassador in Kyiv was prevented from visiting the damaged pipeline section, further escalating tensions.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Major
EU leadership accuses Hungary of breaching loyalty principles
High Representative Kaja Kallas and other EU leaders sharply accuse Hungary of violating the bloc's principle of sincere cooperation. They emphasize that Hungary agreed to the €90 billion loan in December and is now backtracking over an unrelated energy dispute. European Council President António Costa warns Orbán to abide by his December commitments.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Major
EU sanctions stall on eve of war's fourth anniversary
On the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, the EU manages to sanction only eight Russian individuals for human rights violations but fails to approve the broader 20th sanctions package and the €90 billion Ukraine loan due to Hungary's veto. The crisis leaves the EU effectively paralyzed in its support for Ukraine at a symbolically critical moment.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Moderate
Slovakia demands EU investigation into Ukraine's pipeline claims
Bratislava asks Brussels to send inspectors to test Ukraine's claims that Russia damaged the Druzhba pipeline. Slovakia wants the EU to investigate whether Kyiv is lying about the cause of the pipeline disruption, further deepening the rift between the Central European countries and Ukraine over the energy dispute.
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