Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski delivered a sharp and uncompromising critique of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Monday, February 23, 2026, accusing Budapest of actively undermining European unity and directly endangering Poland's national security through its repeated vetoes on key EU decisions related to Russia's war in Ukraine.
Speaking at a press conference in Warsaw, Sikorski labeled Hungary's obstructionism as "outrageous, but not surprising," arguing that it inflicts tangible harm on frontline states like Poland while weakening the European Union's collective ability to confront Moscow's aggression. He focused particular ire on Hungary's blockage of reimbursements from the European Peace Facility (EPF), a mechanism established to compensate EU member states for military equipment donated to Ukraine.
Sikorski revealed that approximately €7 billion ($8.3 billion) in total reimbursements remain frozen due to Hungary's intransigence. For Poland alone, this includes roughly €500 million (approximately 2 billion Polish zlotys) allocated to the Armed Forces Modernization Fund. "Despite prolonged negotiations, Hungary remains implacable," he stated, accusing Budapest of deliberately obstructing support for nations that have shouldered the burden of aiding Kyiv. He framed the veto as a violation of the principle of European solidarity enshrined in the Treaty of Lisbon, claiming Hungary exploits unanimity rules in EU foreign policy to advance domestic political objectives and propagate anti-Ukrainian messaging.
The foreign minister extended his criticism to Hungary's role in stalling the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia and delaying approval of a substantial new loan facility for Ukraine. Such hold-ups, Sikorski argued, erode the bloc's leverage over the Kremlin, prolong the conflict, and permit continued revenue streams to fund Russia's military machine. He singled out Hungary's energy dependence, noting: "For some reason, Hungary prefers to buy oil and gas from Vladimir Putin, even though it has the technical ability to source supplies from the south at comparable prices." Sikorski insisted that the overriding priority for the entire EU community must be to sever financial lifelines to the Russian war effort.
Hungary has consistently justified its positions by invoking national energy security and the potential economic fallout for Hungarian households from broader sanctions or supply disruptions. Orbán's government has portrayed its stance as pragmatic defense of sovereignty against what it describes as overreach by Brussels institutions, while maintaining that it favors negotiated peace over escalation.
The exchange underscores deepening fissures within the European Union as Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fourth year. Poland, alongside the Baltic states and several Nordic and Eastern European countries, has consistently advocated for the most stringent sanctions regimes, accelerated military deliveries, and robust long-term support for Ukraine. Hungary, often aligned with Slovakia under its current leadership, has emerged as the primary holdout, frequently casting the sole dissenting vote in otherwise unanimous decisions.
Sikorski's remarks also touched on domestic Polish politics when he was questioned about reports suggesting that President Andrzej Duda might veto Poland's participation in the EU's SAFE (Strategic Armaments and Equipment Facility) program. The initiative aims to bolster joint procurement of defense equipment, enhance interoperability among member states' armed forces, and strengthen Europe's indigenous defense industrial base amid heightened threats from Russia.
Although he acknowledged not having reviewed official documents, Sikorski issued a stark warning: any presidential veto would constitute a "shocking betrayal" and represent a "misappropriation of the constitutional role" of the head of state. He suggested such a move would amount to capitulation to political influence from Nowogrodzka Street—the headquarters of the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party—and would fail to fulfill the president's constitutional duty as commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The minister expressed hope that Poland's military leadership and uniformed services would publicly voice opposition if a veto were pursued.
The public broadside reflects the heightened stakes for Poland, which shares a direct border with both Ukraine and Russia's Kaliningrad exclave and has provided extensive military, humanitarian, and logistical support to Kyiv since February 2022. Warsaw views sustained European pressure on Moscow—including financial isolation and arms supplies—as essential to deterring further aggression and safeguarding its own security.
In Brussels, diplomats increasingly express concern that repeated single-member vetoes—permitted under the EU's unanimity requirement for common foreign and security policy—threaten to paralyze decision-making at a critical juncture. The pattern has fueled discussions about potential procedural reforms, including qualified majority voting in select foreign policy areas, though such changes would require treaty amendments and face resistance from multiple capitals.
As the war grinds on with no immediate resolution in sight, the public clash between Warsaw and Budapest highlights the fragility of EU unity when national interests diverge sharply. With Poland pushing aggressively for escalation of pressure on Russia and Hungary prioritizing energy stability and sovereignty, the coming months are likely to see intensified diplomatic maneuvering in Brussels to overcome blockades and maintain momentum in support of Ukraine.
