US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis have introduced legislation, the Block Putin Act, that would impose sanctions on Hungarian government officials. The bill responds to Hungary’s continued obstruction of a €90 billion EU assistance package for Ukraine and its stance on Russian energy imports. The move signifies growing frustration within the US Congress over the diplomatic rift between Kyiv and Budapest, which is straining NATO and EU unity.
The dispute centers on Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has consistently opposed new EU aid for Ukraine and has maintained close ties with Russian energy. The conflict escalated earlier this year when Ukraine halted oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary, citing infrastructure damage from the war. Orban has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of deliberately creating an energy crisis to influence Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary election. In retaliation, Hungary has blocked the EU’s landmark loan for Ukraine, jeopardizing its financial stability.
According to Bloomberg, Ukraine could exhaust its funds by June without the approved EU package. Lawmakers in Kyiv have also struggled to pass economic reforms demanded by international lenders like the IMF, complicating efforts to find alternative funding. The US bill aims to penalize NATO members who undermine support for Ukraine, with Senator Tillis stating it would give Hungary “a clear path to get back in line.” Senator Shaheen criticized Hungary for “doubling down” on Russian energy while Europe reduces its dependence and also questioned the reported plans of US Vice President J.D. Vance to visit Hungary in support of Orban.
Zelensky has long accused Orban of acting in accordance with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s interests, particularly by rejecting Ukraine’s bids to join NATO and the EU. The personal rhetoric between the two leaders has intensified, with Zelensky issuing physical threats against Orban in the past. Within the EU, some pro-Ukraine member states are reportedly pinning hopes on Orban’s electoral defeat, while other measures, such as restricting Budapest’s voting rights, have been floated as alternatives.
The proposed US sanctions highlight the deepening geopolitical fissures within the Western alliance over the war in Ukraine. Hungary’s blockade of EU funds presents an immediate financial peril for Kyiv, testing the resolve of international partners. The outcome of Hungary’s election and the fate of the EU loan package will be closely watched as indicators of sustained collective support for Ukraine’s war effort and economic survival.
