Kyiv Condemns ‘Blackmail’ as Hungary and Slovakia Threaten Electricity Cuts Over Russian Oil Transit
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as “ultimatums and blackmail” from Hungary and Slovakia, after both governments threatened to suspend emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine if Kyiv does not resume the transit of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline. The escalating dispute centers on shipments of Russian oil, halted since following what Ukraine says was a Russian drone strike on pipeline equipment in western Ukraine.
The potential suspension of electricity, particularly as Ukraine’s energy infrastructure continues to be targeted by Russian attacks during a period of extreme cold, is “provocative, irresponsible and threatens the energy security of the entire region,” according to a statement released by the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry. The ministry further asserted that the actions of Hungary and Slovakia would not only benefit Russia, but also harm their own businesses.
Ukraine maintains it is working to repair the damaged infrastructure and has proposed “alternative ways” to supply non-Russian oil to both countries. “Ukraine is in constant contact with representatives of the European Commission regarding the damage caused by daily Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. We have also provided information about the consequences of these Russian attacks on the Druzhba pipeline infrastructure to the governments of Hungary and Slovakia,” the ministry stated.
The dispute highlights a growing rift between Ukraine and two of its European Union and NATO neighbors, who have been accused of cultivating closer ties with Moscow despite the ongoing conflict. Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico warned that he would halt emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine within two days if Russian oil transit is not restored. Hungary’s Viktor Orbán previously announced his intention to block the disbursement of a €90 billion (approximately $106 billion USD) EU loan to Ukraine until the oil transit resumes.
The connection point at Brody, in western Ukraine, was reportedly impacted by Russian strikes, disrupting the flow of oil to both Slovakia, and Hungary. Budapest and Bratislava contend that the pipeline is now capable of resuming Russian crude oil deliveries, citing existing exemptions allowing them to import Russian energy.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry responded sharply to the threats from Budapest and Bratislava, stating, “Ultimatums should be sent to the Kremlin, and certainly not to Kyiv.” It also indicated it is considering activating the Early Warning Mechanism as part of the association agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, signaling a potential escalation of the diplomatic conflict.
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Fico stated that if the oil transit is not restored by , he will instruct Slovak companies to immediately cease emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine. This emergency supply is crucial for stabilizing Ukraine’s power grid following repeated Russian bombardments.
The situation underscores the vulnerability of Central European nations reliant on Russian energy supplies transported through Ukraine. Both Hungary and Slovakia are the only two EU countries that continue to depend on significant volumes of Russian oil delivered via the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline. The dispute adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing efforts to reduce Europe’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels and to support Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
The Ukrainian government has accused Russia of deliberately targeting energy infrastructure to destabilize the country and exert pressure on its European allies. The halt in oil shipments, coupled with the threats to electricity supplies, represents a significant escalation in tensions between Ukraine and its neighbors, raising concerns about the broader regional security implications.
The European Commission has not yet issued a formal statement on the dispute, but sources indicate that officials are closely monitoring the situation and are in contact with both Ukraine and the governments of Hungary and Slovakia. The Commission is likely to face pressure to mediate a resolution that ensures both energy security for Central Europe and continued support for Ukraine.
