Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, has emphasized the need for caution regarding electricity supplies to Ukraine, highlighting potential impacts on ethnic Hungarians living in the Transcarpathia region. This statement follows a government energy council meeting focused on the cessation of Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline.
Szijjártó noted that nearly half of Ukraine’s electricity imports come from Hungary. He stated, “We concluded that we need to act with particular caution in this matter, as there are Hungarians living on the other side of the border, and halting electricity exports would primarily affect Transcarpathia, creating special problems and challenges for families living there.”
The minister clarified that the disagreement is not with the Ukrainian populace but rather with the Ukrainian government, including President Volodymyr Zelensky. This distinction underscores the complex relationship between Hungary and Ukraine amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Prior to Szijjártó’s remarks, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán threatened to halt electricity supplies to Ukraine unless the transit of oil through the Druzhba pipeline is restored. This warning reflects Hungary’s strategic leverage in the region’s energy dynamics.
On the same day, Szijjártó announced that Hungary would block the European Union’s 20th sanctions package against Russia, citing Ukraine’s alleged failure to repair the Druzhba pipeline. Additionally, Hungary has suspended diesel fuel supplies to Ukraine and obstructed a €90 billion loan from the EU intended for Ukraine.
Hungary's Foreign Minister has urged caution regarding electricity exports to Ukraine, citing the impact on ethnic Hungarians in Transcarpathia. The remarks come amid escalating tensions over energy supplies and sanctions against Russia.