The Ministry of Foreign Affairs playfully teased Orbán, stating they are ready to take Hungary's spot in the EU.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine criticized the statement from the Hungarian leadership regarding the alleged rise in fuel prices due to the halt in gas transit. The Ministry stated that Ukraine would be ready to take Hungary's place in the EU and NATO if Hungary prioritizes the Russian Federation. They also urged Hungary not to undermine unity in Europe.

This was announced by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. They reminded that the European Commission clearly emphasized on January 1, the day of the cessation of transit from Russia, that Ukraine's decision had no negative impact on the energy security of EU countries and on consumer prices in the European market.

The Ukrainian ministry highlighted that 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. Since the onset of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, it has become an existential threat to stability and peace on the European continent. As a result, the era of Europe’s dependence on Russian energy resources is coming to an end.

"All European countries have found ways to secure their economies and citizens with alternative energy sources from the USA and the Middle East. Only two of the twenty-seven EU countries (Hungary and Slovakia - ed.) have failed to meet this challenge and are now trying to shift their problems from a sick head to a healthy one. Furthermore, in attempting to irrationally maintain dependence on Russia, they are also effectively obstructing access to the European energy market from the USA and other partners. If the Hungarian side prioritizes the strengthening of Russia over the EU and the USA, then this should be openly acknowledged," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

They added that "Ukraine will be ready to take the vacant seat in the EU and NATO if Hungary decides to vacate it in favor of membership in the CIS or CSTO". If Hungary wishes to help end the war, then, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it should start by not undermining unity in the EU and instead strengthen the energy security and independence of its own country and citizens together with the rest of Europe and the USA.

Transit of Russian Gas Through Ukraine

On December 31, 2024, the five-year Russian-Ukrainian gas transit agreement expired. Ukraine ceased transit of Russian gas on the morning of January 1.

Slovak and Hungarian importers of Russian gas called for the preservation of gas transit through Ukraine. On December 16, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico held talks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, during which Shmyhal reiterated Kyiv’s long-known position: Ukraine will not extend the agreement with Russian "Gazprom".

It is worth noting that Bloomberg warned that after the cessation of transit, Russia might attack the Ukrainian gas transportation system.