On the eve of the fourth anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, the European Union successfully sanctioned a small group of Russian officials, but failed to pass a massive financial aid package for Ukraine and broader sanctions against Moscow due to a veto from Hungary.

The EU froze assets and issued travel bans against eight Russian judicial and penal officials responsible for the mistreatment and politically motivated sentencing of activists. This brings the total number of Russians sanctioned for these specific human rights abuses to 72.

Hungary vetoed a massive $106 billion loan intended to help Ukraine finance itself, as well as the EU’s broader 20th sanctions package. Because EU decisions require unanimous agreement, Hungary’s single veto successfully stalled the measures.

Hungary’s justification for the veto revolves around the Soviet-era Druzhba oil pipeline, which crosses Ukrainian territory. Hungary and Slovakia rely on this pipeline for Russian oil and accuse Kyiv of intentionally delaying shipments to threaten their energy security. Ukraine maintains that the pipeline was damaged by a Russian drone strike and is simply undergoing necessary repairs.

Foreign policy analysts suggest Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is weaponizing the veto for domestic gain. Facing a highly contested election in April, Orban may be using the pipeline dispute to blame his country’s internal economic struggles on Ukraine.