Hungary has altered its rhetoric regarding the potential cessation of electricity supplies to Ukraine. Following earlier emphatic statements about possible restrictions, officials in Budapest are now emphasizing the need for “particular caution.”
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó indicated that discussions about electricity exports took place during a government energy council meeting. He warned that halting supplies could adversely affect residents in Transcarpathia, where a significant population of ethnic Hungarians resides.
“We must act with particular caution, as stopping electricity exports would primarily impact Transcarpathia and create difficulties for families living across the border,” Szijjártó stated.
He further clarified that the tensions between Budapest and Kyiv are not directed at the Ukrainian populace but rather at the Ukrainian government.
Previously, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán threatened to halt electricity supplies to Ukraine if the transit of oil through the Druzhba pipeline was not restored. This statement was part of a broader context of escalating tensions between the two nations.
In a subsequent statement, Szijjártó expressed Hungary’s intention to block the adoption of the 20th EU sanctions package against Russia, accusing Ukraine of allegedly failing to repair the oil pipeline.
Market analyst Daria Orlova from ExPro Consulting noted that electricity system operators within EU member states do not make unilateral decisions regarding such matters. Their operations are coordinated under the European network ENTSO-E.
Hungary's recent statements reflect a shift in its approach to electricity exports to Ukraine, emphasizing caution due to potential impacts on ethnic Hungarians in Transcarpathia. Tensions persist as Hungary considers blocking EU sanctions against Russia, linking them to issues surrounding oil transit.