Ukraine has strongly rejected what it described as ultimatums and blackmail by the governments of Hungary and the Slovak Republic over energy supplies, warning that such actions threaten regional energy security amid ongoing Russian attacks on its infrastructure.
In a statement, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Kyiv “rejects and condemns the ultimatums and blackmail by the governments of Hungary and the Slovak Republic regarding energy supplies between our countries.”
The ministry characterised the reported pressure as particularly troubling given the context of sustained Russian strikes targeting Ukraine’s energy grid.
It said the actions of Budapest and Bratislava were unfolding in the context of massive and targeted Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and Moscow's attempts to deprive Ukrainians of electricity, heating, and gas during extreme cold weather.
Describing the moves as provocative and irresponsible, the ministry warned that they threaten the energy security of the entire region.
It further argued that the governments of Hungary and Slovakia were “not only playing into the hands of the aggressor, but also harming their own energy companies that supply energy on a commercial basis.”
Kyiv said it remains in close coordination with European institutions regarding the damage caused by daily Russian attacks.
“Ukraine is in constant contact with representatives of the European Commission regarding the damage to Ukrainian energy infrastructure caused by daily Russian strikes,” the statement said.
The ministry added that it had shared details with Budapest and Bratislava concerning the impact of Russian strikes on the Druzhba oil pipeline infrastructure.
“We have also provided information about the consequences of these Russian attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline infrastructure to the governments of Hungary and Slovakia,” it noted.
According to the statement, repair and stabilisation efforts are ongoing despite persistent threats.
“Security and stabilization repair work continues amid daily threats of new missile attacks,” the ministry said, adding that Ukraine had proposed “alternative ways to resolve the issue of supplying non-Russian oil to these countries.”
Kyiv reaffirmed its broader commitment to European energy cooperation.
“Ukraine has always been, is, and will remain a reliable energy partner of the EU and a transit country for energy resources,” the statement said.
However, it cautioned that continued pressure from Budapest and Bratislava could trigger formal mechanisms under its agreements with the European Union.
“In light of the unfounded and irresponsible threats coming from Budapest and Bratislava in recent days, Ukraine is considering the possibility of activating the Early Warning Mechanism provided for in the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union,” the ministry said.
The statement concluded with a direct appeal to both governments. “We call on the governments of Hungary and the Slovak Republic to engage in constructive cooperation and behave responsibly,” it said, adding pointedly: “Ultimatums should be sent to the Kremlin, and certainly not to Kyiv.”
The prime ministers of Hungary and Slovakia had issued ultimatums to Ukraine over oil supplies, heightening tensions over energy flows disrupted by the ongoing war with Russia.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico have continuously pressed Kyiv over the continued transit of oil, particularly through infrastructure affected by Russian strikes, threatening to block any assistance they get from the European Union, including loans.
