Russia’s full‑scale war on Ukraine is a day away from entering its fifth year, and yet some EU member states are still shielding the Kremlin’s oil revenues instead of shutting them down. By blocking progress on the EU’s 20th sanctions package, Hungary is putting other issues ahead of Ukrainian lives and European security.
The European Commission had proposed going beyond the failing G7 price cap and introducing a complete Maritime Services ban, to end the support that enables the transport of Russian crude – including EU shipping, insurance, and port services. This measure would strike at the heart of the Kremlin’s oil income, which continues to fund missiles, drones and artillery attacks on Ukrainian cities every single day.
Dr. Svitlana Romanko, Founder and Executive Director of Razom We Stand, said,
“As we Ukrainians stay strong while enduring four brutal years of full‑scale war, it is devastating that Hungary fails to prioritise the lives and freedom of an entire nation. By blocking the EU 20th Sanctions package, in effect, Hungary is protecting the flow of Russian oil money that pays for missiles, drones and horrible suffering across Ukraine.
Our message to Hungarian leaders, it’s time to value Ukrainian lives and support the 20th Sanctions package. To EU leaders, I implore you to find a solution to this roadblock. Europe cannot claim to stand with Ukraine while allowing the fuelling of Putin’s war machine. On the solemn war anniversary of 24 February, Europe must choose – either it passes the 20th Sanctions package with strong support for Ukraine, or it accepts responsibility for future attacks funded by Russian fossil fuel revenues.”
Ahead of the final negotiations on the EU 20th sanctions package, Razom We Stand urges EU leaders to:
- Adopt a full and uncompromised Maritime Services ban on Russian oil in the 20th sanctions package, replacing the ineffective oil price cap and closing remaining loopholes.
- Reject any carve‑outs or “shipping exceptions” that would allow EU‑linked tankers, insurers or registries to continue servicing Russian oil exports, including via the shadow fleet.
- Introduce strict enforcement and penalties for EU bad actors that facilitate Russian fossil fuel exports in circumvention of sanctions, including through third‑country ports and opaque ownership structures.
- Pair sanctions with accelerated investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency, in Ukraine and across the EU, to permanently end dependence on Russian fossil fuels.
