Blockade Before the Anniversary - Hungary’s Veto Halts EU Sanctions Against Russia’s Shadow Fleet

Four years after the start of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the European Union is struggling for unity - and fails precisely on the package that was meant to hit Moscow’s shadow fleet hard. The 27 member states were unable to agree on the 20th sanctions package. Kaja Kallas spoke of a setback after the meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels. This was not the message they had wanted to send. The work would continue. But the political damage is visible. The European Commission had proposed a bundle of new measures at the beginning of February. The core was a comprehensive ban on maritime services for tankers carrying Russian crude oil. This includes insurance, financing, certification, port services, as well as the provision of vessels for transporting Russian oil. The aim was to target the opaque shadow fleet through which Russia continues to export despite existing sanctions. Adoption was intended to take place in time for the fourth anniversary of February 24, 2022.

Viktor Orbán objected. The Hungarian prime minister announced his veto unless Ukraine resumed allowing Russian oil deliveries through a pipeline crossing its territory to Hungary. In addition, Budapest is threatening to block an EU loan to Ukraine amounting to 90 billion euros. Kallas called it regrettable that Hungary was now backing away from the loan decision made in December. A spokesperson for the European Commission recalled the obligation of loyal cooperation. While negotiations continue in Brussels, investigations into violations of existing sanctions are ongoing. Investigative journalists have in recent months repeatedly uncovered networks through which Russian oil is relabeled, shipped via third countries, or transported under changing flags. We have also repeatedly documented how circumvention structures function, which ports, service providers, and financial frameworks are involved - and how slowly or not at all authorities respond. Those who expose these connections do not work in a vacuum, but under real risks.

The debate over the shadow fleet is not a side issue. It is about enforcement and credibility. When sanctions are announced but internally blocked, a signal is created that reaches far beyond Europe. Especially ahead of a symbolic date, unity would have carried weight. Instead, a Union stands that is paralyzing itself on central questions. The Commission emphasizes that talks will continue. But every day without a decision gives Moscow room to maneuver. Sanctions only have an effect when they are adopted in unity and implemented consistently. Everything else remains an announcement.