During an online address at the European Council, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized that the approval of a €90 billion loan from the European Union should not be contingent upon the operation of the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Sybiha directed his remarks towards Hungary, condemning any form of coercion against Ukraine involving the seizure of individuals or funds from the state bank. He specifically called on Budapest to return the money taken from the cash transport services of Oschadbank.
Additionally, the minister underscored the urgent need for the EU to approve a 20th package of sanctions against Russia. He stated, “Pressure on Russia must increase, and support for Ukraine must grow. I urged my EU colleagues to adopt the 20th sanctions package immediately. Russia should not benefit from instability in the Middle East,” as reported on X platform.
Background:
- Both the 20th sanctions package against Russia and the €90 billion loan for Ukraine are currently being blocked by Hungary.
- At the European Council meeting, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced that Hungary would continue its blockade until Ukraine resumes transit through the Druzhba pipeline.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that resuming operations of the Druzhba pipeline would be equivalent to lifting sanctions on Russia.
- Hungary and Slovakia initiated discussions regarding the Druzhba pipeline at the European Council on March 16.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has called for the EU to separate its financial aid to Ukraine from the operational status of the Druzhba oil pipeline. His remarks come amid Hungary's ongoing blockade of both the proposed sanctions against Russia and the loan to Ukraine.
Source: Європейська правда