German government spokesperson: We assume that Hungary will comply with EU decisions on aid to Ukraine

The German government has expressed confidence that Hungary will ultimately comply with EU decisions regarding financial support for Ukraine, despite ongoing disputes over the €90 billion loan package. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized that Kyiv remains Germany’s top security priority and criticized Hungary’s blockade as undermining European defense and freedom. Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has stalled EU aid and sanctions against Russia until Ukraine resumes oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline, which was damaged in a January Russian attack.

The European Commission is exploring options to provide Ukraine with budgetary assistance, including repairs to the Druzhba facility, while Hungary and Slovakia continue to challenge the extent of the damage. According to reports, Baltic and Nordic nations have signaled willingness to step in with alternative funding to cover Ukraine’s needs through mid-2026 if the EU package fails. However, critics argue that the EU’s governance structure remains vulnerable to obstruction by smaller member states, highlighting calls for reforms such as majority voting to prevent future deadlocks.

Hungary’s stance has drawn sharp rebuke from EU partners, with accusations of breaching commitments to the loan agreement. Orban, facing domestic elections in April, has framed his position as prioritizing Hungarian energy interests, citing cheaper Russian oil supplies. The EU is considering a fact-finding mission to assess the Druzhba facility’s damage, though political tensions persist. Analysts note that prolonged delays in aid could strain Ukraine’s fiscal stability, even as alternative funding mechanisms are mobilized. The situation underscores broader debates about EU cohesion and the balance between national sovereignty and collective action in crisis response.