Orbán criticizes Ukraine for halting gas transit and announces intention to 'respond'
Photo: Viktor Orbán (facebook.com/orbanviktor)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed dissatisfaction with Ukraine's decision to stop the transit of Russian gas starting in 2025. He stated that Budapest is considering a response to this move, he made this statement at a press conference during his visit to Bratislava on Tuesday, January 21, according to Index.
According to Orbán, Ukraine not only stopped the transit of gas through its territory but also allegedly refused to engage in negotiations. He claimed that Ukraine's decision poses a threat to Hungary, Slovakia, and the entire region.
"Kyiv is no longer in the saddle firmly enough to afford such actions. If they remain aggressive and hostile, they will lose. Eventually, we will get angry and respond," Orbán stated.
In his view, "the way Kyiv is trying to control and shape relations with Central European countries today is unacceptable."
He also expressed opposition to Ukraine's rapid membership in the European Union, claiming it would devastate Hungary's economy. Furthermore, he argued that if Ukraine joins NATO, it would lead to a war between the Alliance and Russia.
Russia's gas transit through Ukraine halted
As of January 1 this year, Ukraine has stopped the transit of Russian gas through its territory. However, EU member states were prepared for this move and are capable of receiving natural gas from other countries through alternative routes.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine is ready to transport gas to Europe as long as it is not of Russian origin.
For more details about the end of Russian gas transit and the challenges it poses for Europe, see the RBC-Ukraine material.
