The Hungarian Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, has expressed the need for caution regarding electricity supplies to Ukraine, emphasizing the potential impact on Hungarian citizens living in Transcarpathia. His remarks followed a meeting of the government’s energy council, where the issue of electricity exports was a key topic.
Szijjártó noted that nearly half of the electricity imported by Ukraine comes from Hungary. He stated, “We concluded that we must act with particular caution in this matter, as there are Hungarians living on the other side of the border. Halting electricity exports would primarily affect Transcarpathia and create significant challenges and suffering for families residing there.”
The minister clarified that Hungary’s concerns are not directed at the Ukrainian people but rather at the Ukrainian government and President Volodymyr Zelensky. He reiterated Hungary’s intention not to exacerbate the hardships faced by the Ukrainian populace.
“Therefore, we must exercise extreme caution regarding electricity matters,” Szijjártó added. He also mentioned an upcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, where it was anticipated that the 20th sanctions package against Russia would be discussed, though he indicated this would not occur.
Earlier, on February 22, Szijjártó announced that Hungary would block the European Union from adopting the 20th sanctions package against Russia, citing Ukraine’s alleged failure to repair the Druzhba pipeline.
On January 27, Russian attacks in Lviv damaged the Druzhba pipeline infrastructure. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reported that it had informed Hungary about the damage and rejected accusations of delays in oil supplies as illogical.
On February 21, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that Slovakia would cease electricity supplies to Ukraine on February 23 unless Ukraine restored oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. Hungary made a similar announcement.
Hungary has also blocked a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, claiming that Ukraine has not repaired the damaged Druzhba pipeline. Notably, both governments have not condemned the Russian attacks that caused the pipeline damage.
Previously, Budapest and Bratislava announced a halt to diesel exports to Ukraine until Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline are resumed. The European Commission has indicated a desire for Ukraine to restore operations on the Druzhba pipeline, but has stated that the decision rests with Ukraine due to the risk of further Russian attacks.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has called for caution regarding electricity exports to Ukraine, citing potential repercussions for Hungarian citizens in Transcarpathia. His comments come amid ongoing tensions over energy supplies and recent damage to the Druzhba pipeline due to Russian attacks.