Slovakia has threatened to block the renewal of existing European Union sanctions against Russia, while Hungary continues to veto new measures, raising concerns about securing funding for Ukraine by a crucial April 1 deadline.
Slovakia’s Sanctions Stance
Slovakia has stated it will prevent the rollover of current EU visa bans and asset freezes targeting 2,663 Russian individuals and entities, scheduled for March 15, unless the EU removes two Russian oligarchs from the sanctions list. This demand, according to three EU diplomats, centers on Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov.
The rollover of Russia sanctions typically occurs every six months through a consensus agreement among EU member states. One EU contact noted that Slovakia has made similar demands during previous sanction renewal processes.
Hungary’s Vetoes and Pipeline Dispute
The situation is further complicated by Hungary’s prior veto of the 20th round of Russia sanctions, timed to coincide with the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is currently facing a domestic re-election battle on April 12 and appears to be escalating the dispute rather than seeking a resolution.
Orbán justified his veto by alleging that Ukraine is obstructing Russian oil flows to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico echoed these claims during a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, stating the pipeline “must be restored” if damaged.
Ukraine Funding at Risk
Hungary has also blocked a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, citing the same pipeline concerns. This could trigger a financial crisis in Kyiv on April 1 if the issue remains unresolved. EU leaders are hoping to overcome Orbán’s veto on the loan at a summit next week (March 19).
A draft summit communiqué indicates the European Council welcomes the adoption of the loan and anticipates the first disbursement to Ukraine by the beginning of April. The draft also suggests the EU is prepared to begin accession negotiations with Ukraine in stages, despite Hungary’s opposition.
However, diplomats are less optimistic about resolving Orbán’s veto of the 20th round of sanctions in time for the summit. The draft communiqué acknowledges the EU’s commitment to increasing pressure on Russia, though specific details remain uncertain.
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