Ukraine says ready to fill vacant space in EU, NATO if Hungary shifts alliance toward Russia

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday declaring the country’s readiness to fill “any vacant space” in the E.U. and NATO if Hungary were to withdraw its membership in favor of joining Russian-led blocs like the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) or CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization).

The remarks follow tensions over Hungary’s criticism of Ukraine’s decision not to extend a gas transit deal with Russia, which Hungary claims has impacted energy prices.

Why it matters

This sharp exchange underscores escalating tensions between Ukraine and Hungary, a NATO and E.U. member. Ukraine’s firm stance reflects its ambitions to join Western institutions, while Hungary’s alignment with Russia on some issues has strained its relationships within the E.U. and NATO.

Details

• Ukraine’s position: The Foreign Ministry dismissed Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto’s remarks on gas prices as a “politically motivated campaign” for domestic purposes.
• Energy security debate: Ukraine argued that Russia, not its own policies, is to blame for European energy challenges, accusing Moscow of weaponizing energy and threatening security for decades.
• Diversification efforts: The statement praised European countries and the E.U. Commission for reducing reliance on Russian energy by sourcing supplies from the U.S. and Middle East, adding that only two E.U. countries, including Hungary, have struggled with this transition.

Broader implications

• Hungary’s stance: Ukraine criticized Hungary for prioritizing ties with Russia over unity within the E.U. and NATO. The statement urged Hungary to strengthen European energy security instead of undermining it.
• Gas transit decision: Ukraine’s refusal to extend a five-year gas transit deal with Russia, citing national security concerns, marked a significant shift in European energy dynamics. The European Commission confirmed that this decision did not adversely affect E.U. energy security.

Zoom out

Ukraine’s bid to join the E.U. and NATO remains a priority, as highlighted by its accession negotiations with the E.U. that began in December 2023. Kyiv continues to position itself as a defender of European unity and security while calling out member states it views as aligning too closely with Moscow.

Hungarian authorities have yet to respond to Ukraine’s statement, reflecting the ongoing discord between the two nations within the broader geopolitical context of the war in Ukraine.