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The governments of Hungary and Slovakia have not condemned Russia’s January 27 attack on Ukraine’s oil infrastructure. Instead, these countries are resorting to blackmail and ultimatums. The two states cannot hold the entire EU hostage, and Hungarian and Slovak ultimatums should be addressed only to the Kremlin. This was emphasized today, February 23, by Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha during his online participation in the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, UATV English reports.
Sybiha recalled that the problems with oil transit through the “Druzhba” pipeline were caused by Russia’s strike on January 27 and highlighted its serious consequences not only for energy transit but for the entire region.
“The actions of Budapest and Bratislava currently only play into the hands of the Russian aggressor. We call on the governments of Hungary and the Slovak Republic to engage in constructive cooperation and responsible behavior. Continuing and strengthening pressure on Moscow is critically important,” Sybiha stressed.
On the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the diplomat noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin had miscalculated regarding Ukraine and Europe.
“For four years now, Ukraine has held the line — defending freedom, justice, and European values. Russia will remain an existential threat to Europe. Putin seeks a new Yalta, a new Munich, and new spheres of influence. You all know this. We all see what is at stake now,” the head of Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said.
He also informed his European colleagues about the situation on the front line and Ukraine’s peace initiatives, emphasizing that the Kremlin’s claims about the success of the Russian army are propaganda.
“Putin’s claim that Russian troops are steadily advancing is merely propaganda. Thanks to the asymmetric actions of our forces, the Russian army is moving toward strategic exhaustion. We must turn the war of attrition that Putin is waging into the exhaustion of his regime and military economy,” the minister stated.
The Foreign Minister called on the EU to intensify sanctions pressure, including imposing a full entry ban on participants in the Russian aggression and their relatives.
“The faster and more comprehensively we act, the harder it will be for Russia to adapt. Every euro and dollar invested in Ukraine’s defense industry is an investment in your security,” Sybiha emphasized.
He also thanked European partners separately for their support during the winter.
“This winter, Russia tried to freeze and break Ukraine. But the Kremlin lost this battle. Ukraine endured — above all thanks to you. Thank you for 145 million euros in emergency humanitarian aid and for providing nearly one thousand generators,” the Foreign Minister concluded.
It is recalled that Hungary issued a strict ultimatum to Kyiv, blocking a €90 billion loan to Ukraine. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that Budapest would not approve financial assistance from the European Union until the operation of the “Druzhba” pipeline is restored. He claims that halting transit violates the Association Agreement with the EU. At the same time, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico issued a similar ultimatum to Kyiv, also citing oil supplies through the “Druzhba” pipeline.
