Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has launched a scathing critique of Ukraine’s decision to cease the transit of Russian gas through its territory from early 2025, hinting at possible retaliatory actions.
Speaking at a press conference in Bratislava on Tuesday, 21 January, Orban expressed his concerns about the impact on Hungary, Slovakia, and the wider Central European region.
“Unacceptable Behaviour”
According to Index, Orban accused Ukraine of abandoning negotiations and taking a confrontational stance. “Kyiv is no longer in a secure enough position to afford such actions. If they remain aggressive and hostile, they will lose. We will eventually get angry and respond,” he said.
Orban criticised what he perceives as Kyiv’s attempts to “control and shape relations with Central European countries,” describing these efforts as “unacceptable.” The Hungarian leader also reiterated his opposition to Ukraine’s accelerated membership bids for the European Union and NATO. He argued that Ukraine’s EU accession would severely harm the Hungarian economy, while NATO membership could lead to an alliance-wide conflict with Russia.
Regional Friction Over Gas Transit
The cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine is the latest point of contention in an already strained relationship between Kyiv and its Central European neighbours. The decision comes as Ukraine moves to end its reliance on Russian energy and align its policies with Western partners. However, this has provoked strong reactions from Hungary and Slovakia, which depend on Russian gas supplies.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has echoed Orban’s sentiments, branding Ukraine an “unreliable partner.” Fico criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of “begging” and “blackmailing” European nations during his diplomatic tours.
Threats to EU Integration
Hungary has signalled its willingness to obstruct Ukraine’s EU accession process as a response to the transit suspension. Budapest has often leveraged its position as an EU member to challenge policies it views as detrimental to its national interests, and this development could mark another flashpoint in EU-Ukraine relations.
Orban’s stance also reflects a broader scepticism among some Central European leaders towards deeper integration with Ukraine, particularly amidst the ongoing war with Russia. Hungary has repeatedly clashed with EU institutions over its perceived leniency towards Moscow and reluctance to provide unconditional support to Kyiv.
Energy Security in the Balance
The gas transit issue underscores the complex dynamics of energy security in Central and Eastern Europe. Hungary and Slovakia are heavily reliant on Russian energy imports, making the cessation of transit through Ukraine a significant concern. While alternative routes, such as the TurkStream pipeline, are available, the changes could increase costs and disrupt supplies in the short term.
This reliance has often placed Budapest and Bratislava at odds with other EU member states, which advocate for reducing dependency on Russian energy to weaken Moscow’s leverage in the region.
Implications for Ukraine’s European Aspirations
Ukraine’s decision to halt gas transit reflects its broader strategy to sever energy ties with Russia and strengthen its alignment with Europe. However, this approach risks alienating key regional partners. Hungary’s threats to block Ukraine’s EU aspirations could complicate Kyiv’s integration efforts, as accession requires unanimous approval from all member states.
Despite these challenges, Ukraine remains committed to its pro-European course, bolstered by strong support from Western nations such as Poland, the Baltic states, and the European Commission. The country’s leadership views EU and NATO membership as vital to securing its sovereignty and rebuilding its economy in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion.
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