Hungary, as a sovereign country, was eligible for a contract with Gazprom for the supply of Russian gas. This was announced on October 7 by the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denis Shmygal.
At the same time, he added that he condemns this decision and considers it inappropriate for European partners.
“Of course, we are concerned about this decision by Hungary. This is a sovereign country, it makes internal decisions, has the right to develop its economy and its internal agreements. But today we are talking with our European partners – if we are partners, then partnership provides for unification in a crisis and joint responses to the challenges that arise, ”Shmyhal said during the VII Kiev International Economic Forum. His words are quoted by the portal “Ukraine.ru”
Earlier that day, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olga Stefanishina said that the contract between Hungary and Gazprom for the supply of Russian gas is a direct materialization of the risks of launching Nord Stream 2. She expressed regret that other market players do not see this as a threat.
On October 1, the Ukrainian side lost part of the virtual reverse, as Gazprom began supplying gas to Hungary in accordance with a new contract bypassing Ukraine.
This agreement provoked a sharp reaction from Kiev. The Ukrainian authorities announced their intention to apply to the European Commission for an assessment of the agreement’s compliance with European energy legislation. In turn, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that he could not take into account Ukraine’s position on this issue. According to him, he should only care about the interests of the Hungarian electorate.
In addition, Verkhovna Rada deputy Ilya Kiva from the Opposition Platform – For Life party announced on October 2 that the loss of gas transit to Hungary due to her long-term contract with Gazprom could lead to the collapse of Ukraine.
According to the deputy, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as former Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, should be held accountable “for betrayal, surrender of national interests and sabotage,” as they contributed to the loss of gas transit.
Former deputy of the Verkhovna Rada Oleg Tyagnibok stressed that the contract between Hungary and Gazprom is evidence of “anti-Ukrainian” actions on the part of Budapest. He is convinced that this decision will bring problems to the Ukrainian side.