Bangladesh, Feb. 24 -- Hungary has moved to block the European Unions proposed 20th sanctions package against Russia, tying its approval to the restoration of oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia. The standoff, which unfolded during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on February 23, underscores deepening divisions within the bloc over how to balance energy security, economic interests, and unified support for Ukraine.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed that member states were unlikely to reach agreement on the new sanctions package after Hungary vetoed the measures. The proposed package-part of the EUs continuing effort to curb Russias war-fighting capacity-would widen restrictions on Mosco...