The package was expected to be approved the day before the fourth anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine, but it was blocked by Hungary, which accuses Kiyv of preventing the delivery of Russian oil to the country through the Druzhba pipeline.
“We regret not being able to reach an agreement today. It’s a setback and sends a message that we didn’t want to convey, but the work continues,” stated Kallas at a press conference in Brussels. The responsible official emphasized that it is essential to send clear signals to Ukraine that the EU maintains its support and continues to pressure Russia.
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Kallas recalled that this is not the first time Hungary has blocked decisions related to sanctions against Russia, but he emphasized that in previous situations, the EU was always able to find joint solutions. “We are dialoguing with our Hungarian and Slovakian colleagues to move forward with this package. It is not easy, but the work continues,” he concluded.
The delay in the package leaves, for now, unanswered the EU’s intention to step up pressure on Moscow, coinciding with a symbolic anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
