Ukraine's Reaction to Ultimatum from Slovakia and Hungary
Ukraine responds to threats from Slovakia and Hungary regarding the blockage of EU aid and electricity supply.
Ukraine has voiced strong opposition to the recent ultimatums issued by the governments of Slovakia and Hungary, warning that these threats to block European Union support and cut off electricity supply could compromise regional energy security. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that such actions should be directed at the Kremlin instead of Kyiv, especially in the context of ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The ministry described the ultimatums as provocative and irresponsible, noting that they aid Ukraine's aggressor while potentially harming the domestic energy sectors of Slovakia and Hungary.
The Ukrainian government emphasized that the actions from Hungary and Slovakia, especially during extreme cold conditions, risk leaving Ukrainians without essential services such as electricity and heating. The Foreign Ministry's statement underscores the fragile humanitarian situation in Ukraine, exacerbated by the impact of Russian attacks, and highlights the necessity for solidarity among European nations in supporting Ukraine during this crisis. It also suggests that these ultimatums could undermine the EU's collective response to Russian aggression.
Furthermore, Ukraine remains in communication with the European Commission about these developments, signaling that it seeks a unified response from its European partners. This incident not only illustrates the complexities of energy politics in Eastern Europe but also raises concerns about internal political stability within Hungary, where mentioned authoritarian tendencies of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán may face challenges from democratic movements.