Ukraine ready to replace Hungary in EU, NATO over Russia tensions, MFA says

Ukraine's Foreign Affairs Ministry stated this on its website.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded sharply to Hungary's claims that rising gas prices in Europe are tied to the suspension of Russian energy transit. According to the ministry, Russia remains the sole source of instability in Europe’s energy markets.

The ministry emphasized that Russia has long weaponized energy resources, using them to blackmail governments and undermine European energy security. With the escalation of its war against Ukraine, Moscow has become a direct threat to peace and stability across the continent.

Ukraine also pointed out that out of the 27 EU member states, only two have failed to diversify their energy supply, accusing Hungary of trying to shift blame for its energy issues onto others.

“If Hungary prioritizes strengthening Russia over its commitments to the EU and NATO, it should openly admit it. Ukraine stands ready to fill any vacant spot in the EU or NATO if Hungary opts to align itself with Russian-led blocs like the CIS or CSTO,” the ministry stated.

The Ukrainian government concluded by urging Hungary to focus on enhancing its energy independence and contributing to EU unity, rather than undermining collective efforts to address the ongoing war.

Hungary's FM criticizes Ukraine for gas transit halt

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó accused Ukraine of attempting to increase pressure on the European Union's economy by halting the transit of Russian gas.

He stated that the suspension of transit led to a 20% rise in natural gas prices in Europe. He emphasized that this decision has put the European economy, particularly Central Europe, in a difficult position.

Ukraine stops transit of Russian gas to EU

In October 2024, European Commissioner Kadri Simson announced that the European Union was ready to end the contract between Naftogaz and Gazprom for Russian gas transit via Ukraine.

In response, Fico stated that Slovakia would hold talks to secure Russian gas supplies through Ukraine after the current transit contract expires, but Ukraine is refusing to continue the transit.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented that Ukraine would stop transiting Russian gas through its territory to prevent further profits for Russia. On January 1, Ukraine halted Russian gas transit.

Robert Fico threatened Slovakia might stop electricity supplies to Ukraine starting January 1 as a consequence of the Russian gas transit halt, which he deemed a "serious problem."

Zelenskyy responded to Fico's threats, suggesting that Putin had tasked Fico with opening a second energy front.  

On January 1, Ukraine ceased transporting Russian natural gas.

Fico emphasized in his New Year’s speech that the suspension of Russian gas transit via Ukraine would have serious consequences for the European Union, but would not affect Moscow.