Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has publicly rejected and condemned the ultimatums and threats issued by Hungary and Slovakia regarding the resumption of Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. In a statement, Ukraine criticized Hungary and Slovakia's demands as 'provocative and irresponsible,' emphasizing that such actions threaten the energy security of the whole region amid ongoing Russian assaults on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The Ministry reminded that the aim of the Russian attacks is to deprive Ukrainians of electricity and heating during the harsh winter months.

In their response, Ukrainian officials pointed out that the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil through Ukrainian territory to Hungary and Slovakia, is damaged following January's attacks on energy facilities. As winter continues, the energy crisis intensifies, and Ukraine asserted that any ultimatum should be sent to Moscow instead of Kyiv. This highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and complicates the relationships between Ukraine and neighboring countries that have their own energy needs and concerns.

The incident underscores the precarious state of energy security in Eastern Europe, particularly where geopolitical tensions intersect with energy supply vulnerabilities. Ukraine's firm stance against the ultimatums reflects its strategic priorities in the face of challenges from not only Russia but also neighboring states that are reliant on its energy transit routes. As the situation evolves, the implications for regional cooperation and stability are increasingly critical, demanding diplomatic balancing between energy dependence and geopolitical realities.