The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has condemned recent statements from the governments of Hungary and Slovakia regarding their intention to halt electricity supplies to Ukraine starting February 23. The ministry labeled these actions as a form of blackmail.
In its official statement, the ministry characterized the move as provocative and irresponsible, especially given the ongoing Russian assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. It warned that such actions jeopardize the energy security of the entire region and play into the hands of aggressors.
“This not only aids the aggressor but also harms the energy companies of Hungary and Slovakia, which operate on a commercial basis,” the statement read.
The Ukrainian government emphasized its ongoing communication with the European Commission concerning the repercussions of Russian attacks on its energy systems. It has also informed Hungary and Slovakia about damage sustained to the Druzhba oil pipeline.
“Amid daily threats of new missile strikes, security, stabilization, and repair operations are ongoing. Ukraine has proposed alternative routes for supplying non-Russian oil to these countries,” the ministry added.
Ukraine reiterated its status as a reliable energy partner for the European Union. In response to what it termed unfounded threats from Budapest and Bratislava, Kyiv is considering activating the Early Warning Mechanism outlined in its Association Agreement with the EU.
“We urge the governments of Hungary and Slovakia to engage in constructive dialogue and responsible behavior. Ultimatums should be directed at the Kremlin, not Kyiv,” the statement concluded.
On January 27, a Russian attack in the Lviv region damaged the Druzhba pipeline infrastructure. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that it had informed Hungary of the attack and the resulting damages on the same day, asserting that accusations of delays in supplies were illogical.
On February 21, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that Slovakia would cease electricity exports to Ukraine on February 23 unless Ukraine restored oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. A similar statement was issued by the Hungarian government.
Hungary has also blocked a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, citing the lack of restoration of the damaged Druzhba pipeline. Neither the Hungarian nor Slovak governments have acknowledged that Russia was responsible for the attacks on the pipeline infrastructure, nor have they condemned the assaults.
Previously, both Hungary and Slovakia announced a suspension of diesel fuel exports to Ukraine until Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline are resumed.
The European Commission has expressed a desire for Ukraine to restore operations on the Druzhba pipeline, but noted that the decision rests with Ukraine due to the risk of further Russian attacks.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has labeled Hungary and Slovakia's threats to cut electricity supplies as blackmail, emphasizing the risks to regional energy security amid ongoing Russian attacks. The ministry has called for constructive dialogue while considering activating an early warning mechanism in response to these provocations.