Overview
- At the Brussels summit, Viktor Orbán refused to lift his block on the loan, drawing public rebukes from EU leaders who labeled his move unacceptable and disloyal.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU will deliver the financing "one way or the other," after 25 of 27 leaders backed conclusions targeting a first disbursement by early April.
- Hungary tied its veto to the resumption of Russian oil transit through the war‑damaged Druzhba pipeline, which Ukraine says was struck by Russia in January.
- Kyiv accepted EU technical teams and funding to inspect and repair the pipeline, with officials indicating work could take roughly six weeks if not further attacked.
- Orbán threatened additional pressure, including blocking new Russia sanctions, challenging future EU budget aid for Ukraine, and leveraging electricity transit, as officials warned the standoff may persist until Hungary’s April 12 election.