Ukraine condemns Hungary and Slovakia’s electricity supply threats amid Russian attacks | Ukraine news

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine characterized the statements by the governments of Hungary and Slovakia regarding the suspension of electricity supplies to Ukraine from February 23 as blackmail. The ministry stressed that such steps provoke and are irresponsible, especially in the context of massive Russian strikes against the country’s energy infrastructure.

“This threatens the energy security of the entire region, plays into the hands of the aggressor, and harms the energy companies themselves. By doing so, the governments of Hungary and Slovakia not only pander to the aggressor, but also harm their own energy companies that provide energy on a commercial basis”

Context of Kyiv’s response and actions in the European dimension

The MFA stressed that Ukraine supports close dialogue with the European Commission on the consequences of missile strikes on the energy infrastructure and has already informed the governments of Hungary and Slovakia about the damage to the Druzhba pipeline.

The ministry also noted that under the threat of new missile attacks, security, stabilization, and restoration measures continue, and Ukraine has proposed alternative ways to supply non-Russian oil to the respective countries.

The MFA emphasized that Ukraine has always been and remains a reliable energy partner of the EU. At the same time Kyiv is considering the possibility of using the Early Warning Mechanism provided for in the EU Association Agreement.

“We call on the governments of Hungary and the Slovak Republic to engage in constructive cooperation and responsible conduct. Ultimatums should be sent to the Kremlin and certainly not to Kyiv”

What is known about the events surrounding the Russian attack on the Druzhba oil pipeline infrastructure and the statements by the Hungarian and Slovak governments related to it. On January 27, due to shelling in the Lviv region, damage to the Druzhba’s supply routes was recorded. According to the MFA, Ukraine informed Hungary about the strike and the related damage on January 27, and Kyiv’s accusations of delaying supplies remain illogical.

On February 21, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that on February 23 the country would stop electricity supplies to Ukraine if Kyiv does not restore transit through the Druzhba pipeline. Such statements were also issued by the Hungarian government. It was also reported that Hungary blocked an EU loan of 90 billion euros to Ukraine over the oil-supply issue.

The European Commission noted that they would like to see the oil pipeline restored, but the decision must be made by Ukraine with regard to the risk of further attacks by Russia.