Hungary decides not to cut electricity exports to Ukraine

The Hungarian government has decided for the time being not to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine, citing concerns that such a move could seriously affect residents, including the Hungarian minority in Zakarpattia.

Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced the decision following an emergency meeting of the country’s Energy Security Council, convened by Prime Minister Viktor Orban per Hungarian media.

During the meeting, officials considered whether to halt electricity exports to Ukraine in response to Kyiv blocking the transit of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline. Szijjarto noted that nearly half of Ukraine’s electricity imports come from Hungary, as he highlighted in a video address broadcast by M1 television.

The minister said the government concluded that “extreme caution” is required in this matter, as Hungarians live across the border and cutting electricity exports would primarily impact Zakarpattia. He added that such a move could “cause significant problems and suffering for families” in the region.

“We have no disagreements with the people living in Ukraine. Our disagreements are with the Ukrainian state, the Ukrainian government, and President Zelensky on this matter. We do not want to cause additional suffering to the Ukrainian population, so we must continue to exercise extreme caution regarding electricity supply,” Szijjarto said.

By Khagan Isayev