Sybiha: Actions by Budapest, Bratislava now only play into Russia's hands
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said Hungary and Slovakia are resorting to blackmail and ultimatums, threatening to block the EU’s 20th sanctions package and a European loan, as well as to halt electricity, gas and fuel supplies to Ukraine.
"Neither the government of Hungary nor the government of the Slovak Republic condemned Russia’s January 27 attack on oil infrastructure. Instead, these countries resort to blackmail and ultimatums, threatening to block the 20th sanctions package and the European loan, as well as to stop electricity, gas and fuel supplies to Ukraine. These two countries cannot hold the entire EU hostage, and Hungarian and Slovak ultimatums should be addressed solely to the Kremlin," the minister said during his online participation in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting.
Sybiha recalled that the disruption of oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline was caused by Russia’s January 27 strike, which had severe consequences not only for energy transit but for the entire region.
"The actions of Budapest and Bratislava now only play into the hands of the Russian aggressor. We call on the governments of Hungary and the Slovak Republic to engage in constructive cooperation and act responsibly. Continuing and strengthening pressure on Moscow is critically important," the minister said.
