Hungary and Slovakia have warned they might cease electricity exports to Ukraine unless oil supplies are restored. This ultimatum has been met with strong condemnation from Kyiv, which called for demands to be directed at Moscow instead.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the actions of the Hungarian and Slovak governments as provocative and irresponsible, particularly given the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during severe winter conditions. Officials emphasized that such threats jeopardize the energy security of the entire region.
By taking this stance, Budapest and Bratislava not only align with the aggressor but also undermine their own energy companies, which operate on a commercial basis. The ministry pointed out that Ukraine is in regular contact with European Commission representatives regarding the damage inflicted on its energy sector due to daily Russian assaults.
“We have also communicated the consequences of these attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline to the governments of Hungary and Slovakia. Despite the constant threat of new missile strikes, security and stabilization repair works are ongoing. Additionally, Ukraine has proposed alternative routes for supplying non-Russian oil to these countries,” the ministry stated.
Officials reiterated that Ukraine has been, and will continue to be, a reliable energy partner for the European Union and a transit hub for energy resources.
In light of what they termed unjustified and reckless threats from Bratislava and Budapest, Kyiv is considering activating the “Early Warning Mechanism” outlined in the association agreement between Ukraine and the EU.
In conclusion, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Hungary and Slovakia to engage in constructive dialogue and responsible behavior. “Ultimatums should be directed at the Kremlin, not Kyiv,” the statement read.
Hungary and Slovakia have threatened to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine unless oil shipments are resumed, prompting a strong response from Kyiv. The Ukrainian government condemned these ultimatums and called for demands to be made towards Moscow instead.