Ukraine's Ministry responds to latest Hungarian statements regarding gas
Illustrative photo: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine responded to Hungary's latest statements regarding gas issue (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
Hungary's comments regarding Ukraine suspending Russian gas transit are merely an attempt to shift the blame from a sick head to a healthy one, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Ukraine reports.
Hungary's statements
On January 7, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó claimed that Ukraine allegedly put the European Union in a difficult position by suspending the transit of Russian gas through its territory.
Szijjártó pointed out that gas prices in Europe had recently significantly risen due to artificial reductions in supply and blockages of certain routes.
MFA's response
The MFA called Szijjártó's statement yet another manipulation and part of a politically motivated information campaign for domestic consumption. The Ministry reminded that, according to the European Commission, Ukraine's pre-announced decision to suspend the transit of hostile gas did not negatively impact the EU's energy security.
"The sole reason for the problems in the European energy market has always been Russia. For decades, the Kremlin has used energy as a weapon, blackmailing European governments and undermining energy security... As a result, the era of Europe's dependence on Russian energy resources is coming to an end," the MFA added.
The Ukrainian Ministry stated that all European countries had found alternative energy sources from the United States and the Middle East. The only exceptions were two EU member countries - Hungary and Slovakia - that are now trying to "shift their problems from the sick head to the healthy one" and maintain their dependence on Russia.
"If strengthening Russia is a priority for Hungary rather than the EU and the US, it should openly admit it. Ukraine will be ready to take a free seat in the EU and NATO if Hungary decides to vacate it in favor of membership in the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States - ed.) or the CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization - ed.)," the MFA said.
Suspension of Russian gas transit through Ukraine
On January 1, 2025, Ukraine suspended the transit of gas from the terrorist state Russia through its territory. EU member countries were prepared for this step and are able to receive "blue fuel" from other countries through alternative methods.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is ready to transport gas to Europe as long as it is not Russian.
