Ukraine accuses Hungary, Slovakia of ‘blackmail’ over threats to cut electricity
Ukraine Condemns Hungary and Slovakia Over Energy Dispute
On Saturday, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry denounced “ultimatums and blackmail” from Hungary and Slovakia, following threats to halt electricity exports to the country. The two nations demanded Kyiv resume Russian oil transit through its territory to secure continued power supplies. This escalation has intensified tensions between Kyiv and its neighbors, despite their EU and NATO memberships.
Dispute Over Pipeline Damage
Since January 27, Russian oil shipments to Hungary and Slovakia have been disrupted, according to Kyiv. The government claims a Russian drone strike on Western Ukraine’s pipeline infrastructure caused the outage. Both countries, however, assert that Ukraine is responsible for the prolonged crisis. Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia warned that emergency electricity flows to Ukraine could be cut within two days if oil transit resumes.
“Ultimatums should be sent to the Kremlin, and certainly not to Kyiv,” stated the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry in a formal release.
Hungary’s Viktor Orban echoed similar concerns earlier in the week. The conflict has become a flashpoint in Europe’s broader divide, as the leaders of these two nations prioritize ties with Moscow over supporting Ukraine’s energy needs. They remain the sole EU countries relying heavily on Russian oil transported via the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline.
Energy Reliance and Alternatives
Emergency electricity from Hungary and Slovakia accounts for nearly half of Europe’s exports to Ukraine, a critical lifeline as Russian attacks have damaged the nation’s grid. Kyiv has proposed alternative routes, including its own oil transportation system or a maritime path via the Odesa-Brody pipeline, to bypass the damaged infrastructure.
Despite these efforts, Russia has escalated drone and missile strikes on Ukraine’s energy network since October. The attacks have led to widespread blackouts, stranding millions during harsh winter conditions. Kyiv condemned the recent threats as “provocative, irresponsible, and a risk to regional energy security.”
War Context and Diplomatic Tensions
As the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion approaches, Ukraine has permitted Russian energy exports through its territory. While these flows have been reduced, they remain essential for Europe’s energy supply. The current standoff highlights the growing rift between Ukraine and its neighbors, who have diverged from the continent’s pro-Ukrainian stance in favor of closer relations with Moscow.
