The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned recent threats from Hungary and Slovakia regarding potential halts to electricity supplies to Ukraine. The ministry characterized these actions as a form of energy blackmail and advised that any ultimatums should be directed at Moscow rather than Kyiv.
In a statement, the ministry expressed strong disapproval of the demands made by the governments of Hungary and Slovakia, particularly in light of ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. These threats come at a time when Ukraine is grappling with severe winter conditions and the risk of losing essential services such as electricity, heating, and gas.
The ministry emphasized that such provocations not only undermine regional energy security but also negatively impact the energy companies in Hungary and Slovakia that operate on a commercial basis. Ukraine remains in close contact with representatives from the European Commission regarding the damage inflicted on its energy infrastructure by daily Russian strikes, and it has communicated the consequences of these attacks to both Budapest and Bratislava.
Despite the ongoing threats of missile attacks, Ukraine continues to carry out security and stabilization repair works on its energy facilities. Additionally, the country has proposed alternative solutions for supplying non-Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia.
Ukraine reiterated its commitment to being a reliable energy partner for the European Union and a transit country for energy resources. However, in response to the recent irresponsible threats from both capitals, Ukraine is considering activating the “Early Warning Mechanism” outlined in the Association Agreement with the European Union.
The ministry called for constructive dialogue and responsible behavior from the governments of Hungary and Slovakia, asserting that any ultimatums should be directed at the Kremlin, not Kyiv.
Prior to this, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced plans to halt electricity exports to Ukraine unless the country restored the transit of Russian oil to Slovakia by Monday. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán also threatened to stop electricity supplies to Ukraine if oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline was not reinstated.
The Ukrainian government has firmly rejected threats from Hungary and Slovakia regarding electricity supplies, labeling them as energy blackmail. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the need for constructive dialogue and warned that ultimatums should be directed at Russia, not Ukraine.