The European Union has decided to move forward without revisiting the issue of transferring frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, despite Hungary’s veto. This announcement was made by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul during a joint press conference with Belgian Foreign Minister Alexander De Croo.
Wadephul emphasized that the matter is “finally resolved” and highlighted that the EU has identified a substantial alternative support mechanism for Ukraine: a €90 billion loan. He also criticized Hungary’s stance, which has been obstructing the loan initiative aimed at aiding Ukraine.
Recently, EU foreign ministers failed to agree on the 20th sanctions package against Russia, with Hungary, Slovakia, and Italy being the primary opponents of the proposed restrictions. Italy has expressed reluctance to impose sanctions on the Georgian port of Kulevi, which is a significant transit point for gas from Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, Hungary and Slovakia have accused Ukraine of deliberately neglecting repairs to the Druzhba oil pipeline, which has historically facilitated oil deliveries to their countries.
The EU has confirmed it will not revisit the transfer of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, despite Hungary's opposition. Instead, the bloc has secured a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, while ongoing tensions regarding sanctions against Russia persist among member states.
Source: RBK-Ukraine